Leichhardt's Italian Forum Cultural Centre to remain open

The Cultural Centre in Leichhardt's Italian Forum has had it's future sealed, after the state-of-the-art building was sold to Australia's oldest and most respected Italian cultural organisation, Co.As.It.

This could be a great opportunity for italian residents in the Inner West suburbs, with the the conditions allowing the centre to be used for local school and community events in the near future.

Furthermore, the centre is also the home for the Actor's Centre Australia, which is great news for the creative and artistic residents of Sydney's Inner West area.

Leichhardt Mayor Darcy Byrne said the deal was a result for the region, helping to keep the Italian community within Leichhardt.

"This deal would see all creditors paid out, two highly regarded cultural organisations sharing the Cultural Centre, and give the people of Sydney a reason to come back to Norton Street," said Mr Byrne in a January 29 statement.

"With the Centre in the hands of the Italian Community and Hugh Jackman's Actors Centre bringing hundreds of people through there each week, this is a new beginning for the Forum."

This is also beneficial for aspiring actors in the region, with the Actor's Centre being responsible for the development and growth of a number of widely respected Australian actors, including patron Hugh Jackman.

Speaking on behalf of the Centre, Actress Anne Looby said the Centre remaining open and flexible into the future was great news for the local community.

"Whoever is the purchaser of the Cultural Centre can be secure in the knowledge they have a long term tenant, whose charter honours the cultural covenant and who is paying commercial rent. This absolutely unique combination is a win/win for Leichhardt and for Sydney," said Ms Looby.