The campaigners behind the Acton Arts Centre project have just been awarded charitable status for their organisation.
Glynne Steele, co-director with Julie Saunders, said they were given the title about a week ago and that it means the Charity Commission has faith in their project, believe it is viable and therefore want to offer support.
Mr Steele, of Horn Lane in Acton, said: “It’s a privilege because it means there’s a lot of trust placed in us to do good work.
“It’s a very important thing for us, especially considering that we do not have a building yet.”
The idea is to have a space for a centre for film, education, food and inspiration – not solely for the people in the area but to bring outsiders into Acton so it becomes a new and exciting place to visit.
Mr Steele added: “It was a long process to get charity status and took about six months. It’s time to create a great beacon for the community.”
With the move of the current Acton Library into Acton Town Hall this spring, the arts team have spent the last year campaigning to have the library building in Acton High Street as their centre.
The co-director said: “We are working with the council to figure out how we can secure the building for the future of Acton despite there being a big process of them finding the highest bidder.”
Ealing Council are now inviting bids and the end of the consultation period is in July.
The charity needs to raise £5million to convert the library and will have to go up against private developers to bid for the lease.
For information about the project, visit: www.actonartscentre.com
