A venue in Oxfordshire requires immediate maintenance work, with £285,000 in council funding remaining unused and possibly insufficient to cover all required improvements.

The latest Action Plan Update for The Beacon in Portway, Wantage indicates that facilities such as the lavatories and elevator demand prompt action.

Furthermore, the report shows these repairs are creating fresh demands on the £285,000 allocated by the council last year, which remains untouched.

The Beacon Development Action Plan Update 2025/26 was presented to the Vale of White Horse District Council’s Scrutiny Committee in March.

The document examined the venue’s Action Plan, with the first phase already completed and featuring National Theatre Live broadcasts alongside live music performances.

Significant advancement was noted across all departments, including a growth in programming and events.

Attendance climbed from approximately 4,000 visitors in 2024/25 to almost 6,000 in 2025/26, while catering and bar revenues rose by roughly £4,000 to reach about £29,500.

The report concluded that financial performance is showing signs of stability, and scheduled building improvements for 2025/26 should substantially boost visitor experience, enhance how the space is utilised, and strengthen long-term commercial viability.

Nevertheless, questions linger about renovation plans originally intended for last year, which were postponed due to procurement difficulties.

At that time, £285,000 was designated for the programme and Councillor Helen Pighills, the district council cabinet member responsible for community health and wellbeing, described The Beacon as a vital amenity.

She noted that the venue contributes to residents’ wellbeing by providing a quality programme of stage performances and film screenings, as well as offering reasonably priced hire options for community groups.

The improvements encompass a redesigned entrance area to streamline visitor movement, modernised toilet facilities and external appearance upgrades.

The latest assessment indicated that venue management considers these enhancements crucial to The Beacon’s future prosperity, especially given that the structure has not received major investment since the 1990s.

However, it noted that several more pressing structural problems have emerged recently that now require immediate action.

These encompass extensive replacement of the toilet pipework, beyond the surface-level refurbishments initially planned, and substantial restoration of the lift to guarantee dependable functioning.

These newly prioritised works are placing added strain on the current £285,000 budget allocation and must be tackled before the broader improvements can be rescheduled.

Additionally, during the district council’s 2025/26 budget process, all capital expenditure was frozen, meaning the venue has been asked to submit a financial case to justify releasing the designated funds.

This documentation will provide evidence regarding whether the scheme can move forward.

Vale of White Horse District Council stated that it has established solid foundations at The Beacon which will support future growth.

A council representative commented that existing issues such as the building’s plumbing are already being addressed and do not affect current visitors.

As with many capital schemes, the originally assigned £285,000 is being reviewed in light of updated building requirements and present market costs.

The council is evaluating cost estimates to ensure spending is focused and delivers optimal value for local residents.