V22 have successfully bid to become the new ‘guardian’ of Orpington Priory, Bromley, south London. The site had been under threat following the closure of Bromley Museum in September 2015.
The Grade II listed property was marketed for sale or disposal of the leasehold interest on the open market. After three bids were submitted, V22 was selected.
The London-based organisation is known for a broad range of activities, including the production of exhibitions and events, the provision of artists’ studios and creative workspace at affordable rates.
Bromley Council described V22’s bid as meeting their expectations and exceeding them in some areas. They added that the proposal offered an opportunity to secure the future of the Priory whilst providing an element of community benefit, dealt with the substantial backlog of repairs and provided a ‘capital receipt’ to the council.
In a statement, V22 said: “We hope to open the first artists’ studios in the old library building during the summer of 2017, although there is still building work to be done before that can happen.
“For the Priory itself, our first actions must be in line with English Heritage’s aspirations for the building as well as those of local conservation officers. We look forward to understanding more of the heritage of this fascinating building and working toward restoring it and reopening it to the public.”
Privatisation concerns
Not everyone is entirely pleased with the outcome. Friends of Orpington Priory and Gardens members said they were disappointed that a number of Bromley councillors chose not to support the local Orpington Priory Community Hub community-led bid.
Co-chair Richard Gibbons told the Bromley Times: “Concerns remain over the extent of privatisation of the public Priory Gardens park that may ensue with disposal of the Orpington Priory building.”
Gibbons added that there was a need to protect the Grade II listed Priory Gardens, designated a Garden of Remembrance and including a memorial to Ivy Millichamp, the last civilian to be killed by a V2 rocket in the second world war.
Councillor Graham Arthur, executive councillor for resources, explained the decision: “When everything was taken into consideration, including, crucially, the desire for the priory to remain as a cultural facility, V22 have successfully presented their vision to take the Priory forwards.
“The costs of running this building are significant and V22 have robust business plans in place to help support their vision. V22 are committed to engaging with local people and groups and have a track record of doing this elsewhere too, which gives cause for optimism.”
Image:
1. Orpington Priory
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