THE final curtain has fallen at Oxford’s Old Fire Station theatre ahead of its £3.4m redevelopment, but Government spending cuts may yet deliver an unwelcome plot twist.
The OFS, in George Street, has now closed and work is due to start next month to turn it into an arts and education centre for young homeless people.
But £350,000 of funding from the government’s Homes and Communities Agency has yet to be confirmed and city councillors fear it may become a casualty of the cuts.
The agency has already provided £2.4m, but a final payment could be axed.
Oxford City Council deputy leader Ed Turner said: “We’re keeping one eye on that and we’ll know more when we get the cheque.”
He said any funding shortfall would be dealt with once it was confirmed.
A spokesman for the HCA said: “The HCA has supported the Old Fire Station development, and to date has provided £2.4m to Oxford City Council for this important scheme.
“However, like all programmes, future investment is dependant on the outcome of the Budget on Tuesday.”
Contractors Rok hope to begin work on the building in July.
The new-look OFS is due to open its doors in summer next year.
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