Cooperatives Build a Better World
- May 2025
Event at Charleston in Lewes
Promoting community wealth and wellbeing has been a priority in Lewes District Council’s work over the last 5 years. One of the ways we have realised this approach has been through making use of council buildings and resources to support arts and culture which has enhanced our local economy.
The council leased its offices in the centre of Lewes to Charleston Trust, an arts & heritage organisation focused on the Bloomsbury Group in Sussex. The initial lease was for 5 years for an exhibition space, café and education and training facilities. However, an economic impact assessment has been carried out and subsequently a decision has been made in March 2025 by Cabinet to grant a 25 year lease to the Charleston Trust based on the benefits already demonstrated but also support the trust’s vision for the gallery to become a permanent national gallery which, in partnership with other galleries in the country, could display the most important Bloomsbury Works and other works of national significance in Sussex.
Peter Jenion
Project Manager
Lewes District Council