Sevenoaks Town Council is proposing to acquire the freehold of the Stag Theatre and Cinema, as a prudent means of securing this important community asset for current and future generations. To make the purchase possible, the Town Council is seeking to raise £100,000 in community donations towards the cost, and is calling on residents, businesses and Stag supporters to contribute to help safeguard the venue’s future.
The Stag is a valued community venue that supports the cultural life and local economy of Sevenoaks, as well as providing a home for the youth café. Freehold ownership would offer permanent security, remove exposure to future landlord decisions and provide the confidence needed to attract major, long-term investment to upgrade the venue and for the wider town.
The Town Council currently has a lease for the Stag but wants to take over the freehold from Sevenoaks District Council through a Community Asset Transfer, ahead of Local Government Reorganisation and the abolishment of the District Council.
Sevenoaks District Council is choosing to charge £650,000 for the freehold of the Stag. In order to purchase the freehold, the Town Council is proposing to cover the £650,000 price by combining a Public Works Loan (£350,000), some of the Town Council’s capital reserves (£200,000), alongside a need for community donations with a target of £100,000.
Community donations are an essential part of making the freehold purchase possible. Every donation will help protect the Stag as an important cultural asset in Sevenoaks and ensure it remains a thriving community venue for generations to come.
Sevenoaks Town Council is asking anyone interested in pledging a community donation to support the freehold purchase of the Stag to complete this pledge form by 1 October 2026.
At this stage, Sevenoaks Town Council is only asking the community to pledge donations. Once the deadline has passed, the Town Council will make a decision on whether to progress with purchasing the freehold, based on funds available. If the decision is made to purchase the Stag, all those who have pledged a donation will be contacted asking if they wish to make their pledged donation.
The Stag is a valued community venue that supports the cultural life and local economy of Sevenoaks, as well as providing a home for the youth café. Freehold ownership would offer permanent security, remove exposure to future landlord decisions and provide the confidence needed to attract major, long-term investment to upgrade the venue and for the wider town.
The Town Council currently has a lease for the Stag but wants to take over the freehold from Sevenoaks District Council through a Community Asset Transfer, ahead of Local Government Reorganisation and the abolishment of the District Council.
Sevenoaks District Council is choosing to charge £650,000 for the freehold of the Stag. In order to purchase the freehold, the Town Council is proposing to cover the £650,000 price by combining a Public Works Loan (£350,000), some of the Town Council’s capital reserves (£200,000), alongside a need for community donations with a target of £100,000.
Community donations are an essential part of making the freehold purchase possible. Every donation will help protect the Stag as an important cultural asset in Sevenoaks and ensure it remains a thriving community venue for generations to come.
Sevenoaks Town Council is asking anyone interested in pledging a community donation to support the freehold purchase of the Stag to complete this pledge form by 1 October 2026.
At this stage, Sevenoaks Town Council is only asking the community to pledge donations. Once the deadline has passed, the Town Council will make a decision on whether to progress with purchasing the freehold, based on funds available. If the decision is made to purchase the Stag, all those who have pledged a donation will be contacted asking if they wish to make their pledged donation.