50 years after the founding of South Hill Park Arts Centre hundreds of people have found a home away from home in the once-empty mansion in the heart of the Berkshire countryside.

Located in Bracknell Forest, the arts centre was founded by Peter Stark who was appointed as the new director with the aim of turning the deserted grade-II property into a thriving centre for the community.

Throughout the years the centre has gone through many challenges but with the help of the community and work from the trustees and artistic directors, South Hill Park has remained a defining presence within Bracknell.

During the 50th anniversary celebrations, the Bracknell News spoke to Peter who expressed his pride at the work that has gone into keeping the arts centre a thriving part of the community.

Peter said: “This idea of a mixture of participatory spaces and a lot of small different audiences really excited me and it just felt like the opportunity to create.

“I feel immensely proud of what my successors did with South Hill Park, and the board and all the people who have helped including Bracknell town and Bracknell Forest council.

“They helped often in extremely difficult circumstances to keep this facility not only open but with the values it had from the beginning.

"Involving the local community as participants in the arts and valuing that [is so important], as well as putting on some really great shows and some great events.

“Generations of families that have gone through the experience of being part of the family of South Hill Park. To be able to have been given a kick start 50 years ago is a proud moment in my career.”

After holding his wedding reception in the Great Hall in 1972, he went to work developing the centre with a variety of art and performance spaces for different audiences. 

Peter was appointed when Bracknell Development Corporation selected South Hill Park as the location for the new arts centre.

Since leaving the area in 1977, the Jordie man has travelled all over the UK and South Africa helping develop and promote the importance of local theatre and the arts.

Peter explained: “I’ve kept in touch [with South Hill Park] over the years and I’m still in the company but not the board. I live up [in the North East] now and I’ve worked across the UK. I had a good career but in many ways, this was the starting point for me.”

After leaving Bracknell, Peter lectured in arts management at City University, worked for the regional arts bodies lobbying government as part of the English region and was director of the Northern Region Arts Council.

He was also fundamental in creating and nurturing arts centres around the UK before moving to South Africa.

During the 50th anniversary celebrations, current managing director Craig Titley said: “Our mission is to inspire and enrich lives through the creative arts.

“Participants tell us they love their activities, reporting increased confidence and improved well-being and describing South Hill Park as a provider of high-quality activities. Having a place to learn great skills and be part of the community.”