Culture centre seeks funding to fulfil commitments

The Phoenix Cultural Centre CIC is currently based in Goldsworth Road in Woking

A music and culture centre in Surrey is crowdfunding to keep operating until its closure next year.

The Phoenix Cultural Centre and Fiery Bird music venue in Goldsworth Road, Woking, is due to close next year due to major funding losses, 11 break-ins and short building leases.

The centre, which runs training opportunities, grassroots music events and provides inclusive meeting space for the community, now needs £30,000 to keep going and fulfil commitments.

Woking Borough Council said it was "saddened" and "disappointed it could not do more".

Elaine McGinty, who launched the centre 15 years ago, said the community interest company now had no funding left and its current building lease ended in 2026.

"I don't want people to think that this fundraising will save the venue, it won't," she said.

"We've got no control over the fact that we have to end but after all these years I want to make sure we finish our way."

Ms McGinty added that she wanted the centre to still be able to honour its ongoing training and gig commitments, especially for users of its services "who need gentle transition".

She added that many of the upcoming gigs were also fundraisers for other charitable groups.

"Some people have said it [the centre] has genuinely changed their lives."

A break-in in 2024 caused the centre to close after wires were cut and the venue was flooded

Ms McGinty said the venue had been subjected to 11 break-ins since last year but Surrey Police said nobody had yet been arrested or charged.

Council leader Ann-Marie Barker said: "Officers have worked with the Phoenix Cultural Centre to help them secure premises and temporary operating space, as well as signposting them to relevant grants and funding opportunities.

"We have also explored longer-term solutions where possible, within the financial constraints the council faces.

"I have spoken to Elaine many times over the years, most recently just last week, and I'm disappointed that we cannot do more."