THE PHOENIX Theatre and Arts Centre has had a donation of £10,000 from house builder Annington.

The funding has meant the theatre on Station Road in Bordon has completed essential electrical works, allowing it to launch its Festival of Film, running until July.

Forced to close in March 2020, it began a much-needed essential maintenance programme of its Edwardian building, known as Barbados House.

But as work progressed, significant issues with the electrical system came to light and the theatre’s planned reopening looked in doubt.

And surplus funding has been spent on installing a new dance floor as well as redecorating the auditorium plus two additional studios.

Rob Allerston, director at The Phoenix, commented: “At a time when theatres are on their knees, we cannot thank Annington enough for helping us back onto our feet.

“The Phoenix is the only venue of its kind in Whitehill & Bordon and the wider district, so closing down was just not an option for us.

“The community needs The Phoenix, and the support we have received is unbelievable – tickets to our reopening night and upcoming events are selling fantastically well.”

Jane Harsham, corporate responsibility manager at Annington added: “We are in the process of refurbishing more than 200 former MoD properties in Whitehill and Bordon and in doing so are helping create a flourishing new community.

“The Phoenix is at the heart of that community and we are proud to be able to ensure that the theatre can reopen its doors this summer and look forward to its ongoing success.”

Anyone who would like programme details should visit the website at https://www.phoenixarts.co.uk/