Government pledges £1m to restore Battersea Arts Centre

Chancellor George Osborne and culture secretary Sajid Javid have announced that the Government will contribute £1 million to help restore Battersea Arts Centre in the wake of the recent devastating fire.

The blaze on Friday 13 March destroyed the venue's Grand Hall and Lower Hall, which were undergoing major renovations at the time.

Osborne said: "Through Arts Council funding the Government has already contributed more than £4.5 million to support the redevelopment of this important centre.

"And we are today making an additional £1 million contribution to help restore the centre to its former glory so that it can continue its great work in showcasing arts and culture to 100,000 people each year."

The funds have reportedly been taken from fines paid by banks in the wake of the Libor rate-rigging scandal.

Javid added that he has visited BAC and met with its "very dedicated team of staff", who have launched a fundraising campaign that has already raised over £70,000.

Artistic director David Jubb said of the support shown for BAC: "The passion for the building and the organisation is extraordinary. Thank you all for being part of this. We really need you at this time."

See Also: Matt Trueman – BAC is a building worth grieving and giving for