Councillors agree to extend lease on Ballina Arts Centre

The lease on Ballina Arts Centre has been extended up to 2040, opening up more possibilities for arts funding to be achieved for the popular public amenity.

A proposal to extend the lease came before the October meeting of Mayo County Council after it was already approved by members of Ballina Municipal District last month.

Head of Ballina Municipal District Anna Connor explained that Ballina Arts Centre Ltd currently occupies the building at Barrett Street under a 15-year lease agreement with Mayo County Council, effective from April 1st, 2016 and due to expire on March 31st, 2031.

Ms Connor said the organisation's ability to access certain capital grant and funding opportunities was becoming increasingly constrained, as many funding programmes require applicants to demonstrate security of tenure through a lease with a minimum unexpired term of ten years at the time of application.

Ballina Arts Centre Ltd had requested an extension of the existing lease term, which could be facilitated by way of a deed of variation to extend the lease expiry date to March 31st, 2040.

“The extension will assist Ballina Arts Centre in leveraging funding for investment in energy efficiency measures and other building improvements, ensuring the continued development and sustainability of the facility for the benefit of the community," explained Ms Connor.

The proposal was immediately approved by members and warmly welcomed by Ballina-based Fianna Fáil councillor Annie May Reape, who said it was good news for the town.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.