On 2nd July 2026 the CCT confirmed that they would continue to support Sudbury Arts Centre once the funding from the Lottery Fund ceases at the end of October 2026 and they would be maintaining the existing staffing levels. The CCT recognises that the Arts Centre is currently loss making but they hope that an increased emphasis on income generation over the next three years will lead to financial sustainability.

The announcement in full is set out below:

Thank you again to everyone who attended the community meeting earlier this year at Sudbury Arts Centre, and for the continued energy and support you show for the space.

We’re really pleased to share a positive update following the quarterly CCT Trustee Board meeting in June. The Churches Conservation Trust has agreed to invest in a new three-year business plan for Sudbury Arts Centre when the National Lottery Heritage Funding period ends.

This represents a significant commitment from CCT to the future of the site. The plan retains the existing team staffing capacity, with a clear and strengthened focus on income generation, increasing activity, maximising use of the building, and building a sustainable operating model for the future while maintaining the Centre’s civic, cultural and community role.

We are confident that, over the three-year period, Sudbury Arts Centre can move towards financial sustainability. However, this investment does come with planned losses in the early years, currently forecast at £67k in year one and £30k in year two, as we build towards that position.

In order for the plan to succeed, we need to grow how much the building is used, through more events, hires, markets and café activity, and ensuring that the Centre continues to grow as a busy and valued part of the town.

Our biggest ask of you is to help make that happen. Please use the space where you can, encourage others to do the same, and consider how your organisation, networks or contacts might be able to bring activity into the building. The more the Centre is used and supported, the stronger its future will be.

We would also very much welcome any signposting to funding or grant opportunities, particularly over the next couple of years while CCT is making this significant investment.

The plan will be reviewed annually by Trustees to ensure we are on track and moving towards sustainability.

Thank you again for your continued support, it remains a crucial part of securing a long-term future for Sudbury Arts Centre.