Maria Miller, MP for Basingstoke and also Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, was delighted to attend the official opening of the Proteus Creation Space on 11 October. She joined the Mayor, Cllr Dan Putty, fellow MP Sir George Young, as well as many others, to celebrate the launch of the new Centre at the former Fairfield Arts Centre.

Proteus Theatre Group, which has been established in Basingstoke for some 30 years, has developed the Centre as a creative hub, with rehearsal space, a dance studio, art gallery, resident artists, a cafe and a range of classes.

Maria said: “This is a vibrant new addition to the town, and well worth a visit. I applaud Mary Swan and the Proteus Theatre Groups for the work they have done to develop an exciting centre for local people to visit, enjoy and get involved in creative activities. I wish them much success.”

Maria paid tribute to the Borough Council and Hampshire County Council for their investment in the arts in funding the Centre. She also highlighted the work that had been done previously by the Fairfields Arts Centre to champion arts and culture in Basingstoke and expressed her thanks to the former Trustees.