Meeting with Jeremy Hunt, MP

FTA’s meeting on 12 December 2009 with Jeremy Hunt MP (Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport) was very positive. With Rebecca Ball, acting Director for Arts, South East Arts Council England (SEACE) we discussed how the expectations of the thousands of objectors to the demolition of the Redgrave could be met. Our MP suggested that as more Lottery money would return to the Arts once the Olympic Games were over, that FTA should apply for a grant of about £2.5 million towards the building of a new theatre, or possibly a smaller amount if the Redgrave was still available. This would represent half the money required with the remainder to be raised by FTA. We have since been advised at the MP’s request by Rebecca Ball of points to make when making the application.