#Repost @thehorsehospital • • • • • • BREAKING NEWS...PLEASE SHARE! Dear Friends of the Horse Hospital, Your beloved independent arts venue is once again under serious threat of closure! Today we have been issued a Notice under Section 25 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 to End our Tenancy on 31st December 2019. The owners say they are not opposed to granting us a new tenancy term of 10 years, but they are looking for a massive annual rent increase, from £30K to an extortionate £130K per annum. As an unfunded not for profit organisation clearly any increase will be a struggle. Without outside help, if we are unable to negotiate a realistic rent, we shall have no alternative but to close down. We have had to employ professionals to try to negotiate the terms of the lease and rent increase, however, if we cannot reach agreement by 31st December 2019, we can ask the court to settle the terms, but this could prove costly if the ruling goes against us. This is the third time in 18 years that the owners Evannance Investments Ltd - whose senior director holds a prominent position in Welsh government - have employed a series of devious tactics to get us to vacate the building, including intimidation and bullying techniques. They have absolutely no respect for the fact that we have been looking after their investment for over 26 years and spent over £35K on a vital building renovation programme during the last 4 years alone. Over the years we have generated a huge international following and the spirit of equality created in the building means a great deal to a great many people both straight and marginalised, therefore we shall not cease in our efforts to save this small sanctuary and make sure it is preserved as part of Bloomsbury’s rich heritage. All we ask for is a fair affordable rent and a secure lease so we can continue to support our artists community and its activities. How can you help? NOMINATE THE HORSE HOSPITAL AS A COMMUNITY ASSET! Fortunately, we managed to get the Horse Hospital Grade 2 Listed back in 2001, and with great thanks to the residents of Camden the building was also granted #communityasset status by #camdencouncil in August 2015. https://www.instagram.com/p/BzhBFySn0YP/?igshid=ce5wbnawr6gf
