Archbishop Desmond Tutu fights sale of Africa Centre in Covent Garden

Published: 8th April, 2011
by EBEN MARKS

ARCHBISHOP Desmond Tutu and Mayor of London Boris Johnson are among those fighting plans to sell off the Africa Centre in Covent Garden.

Trustees at the King Street cultural centre, which is run as a charity, say the planned sale of the leasehold is about ensuring “best value”. 

They insist proceeds will be put towards a 

“re-energised” cultural programme and claim the cost of maintaining the ageing building diverts money from other events. But this week high-profile figures signed an open letter condemning the proposals and requesting a public meeting.  

The centre, a focal point for African arts and politics in Britain since the 1960s, was a hub for anti-apartheid campaigners. Action for Southern Africa (AFSA) – who describe them­selves as the successors to the Anti-Apartheid Movement – have criticised the trustees.

An AFSA spokesman said: “The Africa Centre has been a great cultural and social asset for diaspora communities, visitors and those with a passion for the continent, living in London. It would be a real shame if central London lost such a great opportunity to promote and celebrate Africa’s rich and diverse arts and culture.”

A statement on The Africa Centre’s website says: “The trustees’ view, reluctantly formed, is that the charity’s interest and those of the African community will be better served by moving to an alternative location but remaining in the centre of London.”

Opponents of the move argue that with African economies growing quickly, the centre is a vital link between London and the continent.