There has been much mixed feeling amongst the students and staff of Bretton Hall, with several protest campaigns initiated by students, many angered by the closure of the site and discontinuation of several courses, including Creative Writing BA and Arts Education BA.. Former Creative Writing Lecturer and Current Head of MA Studies in the School of Performance and Cultural Industries, Garry Lyons, is somewhat more positive about the move: “It’s always sad to see the passing of a much-loved institution…The truth was, however, that it had had its day; the buildings and facilities were old and in desperate need of renewal.”. Garry also cites the nature of Performance and Cultural studies, suggesting its home should be in a more fitting environment: “the concept of a modern cultural industries school based in rural isolation was past its sell-by date. Theatre and performance are, in essence, urban art forms.”. It is undeniable, however, that the move has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many of those involved in the college; jobs have been lost and some students feel as though the standard of their education was compromised in the latter stages of Bretton’s use, as several staff members jumped ship up to two years before the closure of their respective courses. A reunion was held in May 2007 for Bretton Hall alumni of the past six decades, some of whom travelled thousands of miles to be there. One Old Boy sported a T-shirt which read “F**K LEEDS UNIVERSITY”.The new home of Performance and Cultural Industries at Leeds University comprises of a purpose built performance centre, complete with two modern performance spaces, as well as rehearsal studios and workshops. The new building is undeniably better equipped for its purpose than Bretton, and according to Garry Lyons, has maintained, if not improved upon the excellent community spirit which existed at Bretton: “There’s a real buzz about the place, and many students have remarked on how exciting and different things are.”Bretton Hall was officially transferred to Wakefield Council on the 1st October, and its future remains unclear. Certainly, the building is in need of some renovation work, including its heating system, and other problems such asbestos have also been mentioned. There have been several bids for the Hall since its closure was announced, but it has been reported that the main contender is one that would see the grounds transformed into a culinary college alongside a country hotel. This option is quite popular with many, as it would be in keeping with the educational, and to an extent, creative heritage of the site, and would mean the picturesque surroundings were still available to the public.Even if this proves to be light at the end of the tunnel for Bretton, many of us with a connection to the campus still feel a little short-changed. Despite the facilities and atmosphere at the new performance centre, there was something of a uniqueness in teaching a modern art form on a traditional backdrop; this was reflected in the courses, and inevitably in the art that was produced. Can the same distinctive style be recreated at the PCI’s modern, and some might suggest, generic new home? I can’t help feeling something must be lost in translation.