THE Anvil Trust has signed a 20-year lease on The Anvil building with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

The deal renews the original lease set up when The Anvil, in Alencon Link, opened in 1994.

Andrew Finney, chairman of The Anvil Trust, which also runs The Haymarket, in Wote Street, said: “We are delighted to have signed this new lease on The Anvil.

“It’s hard to believe that The Anvil is 20 years old already – it doesn’t look it!

“Maintaining the buildings to a very high standard is an important part of our role as tenants so that all of our visitors feel welcomed and comfortable before they even see the performance.”

Mr Finney, who is also managing director of Basingstoke-based relocation specialists HCR, added: “Most of the borough council’s investment in the trust goes on keeping The Anvil and The Haymarket buildings up to scratch, and every £1 invested generates nearly £6 for the local economy, as well as helping to make Basingstoke a better place to live and work.

“We look forward to working in partnership with the borough council to deliver another 20 years of service to the people of Basingstoke, Hampshire and beyond.”

The Anvil Trust is the educational charity which runs Anvil Arts venues.