Megalo Print Studio and Gallery had planned to use a $3.8 million ACT government grant to move into the Fitters’ Workshop in the Kingston Arts Precinct and convert it into a printing studio.

However, on Monday the parliamentary committee recommended that the century-old building be used as a “multi-use arts and performance venue” instead due to its excellent acoustics.

Megalo chief executive Alison Alder she was disappointed by the report, but not surprised, “because I think it was political”.

The Liberal and Greens opposition joined forces last October to send the issue to the Standing Committee on Education, Training and Youth Affairs after lobbying from music groups.

The report will now be tabled in the Legislative Assembly in May and the government will then have to respond, according to Alder.

“To the best of my knowledge, the government feels the same as we do, that the arguments put forward into the report were weak,” she said.

However, Megalo was now working on the assumption it would not be able to move from its Watson home to Kingston in late 2012, she said.

“It’s an unfortunate situation for Megalo because it prolongs our period of being in limbo.”

The committee acknowledged Megalo as a “printmaker of an exceptional standard and reputation” and recommended that its funding be used to find it another site in the arts precinct.

Alder said there was nothing in the report to show that Megalo moving into the Fitters’ Workshop would be a poor outcome.

“We’re disappointed. We hope the situation is resolved soon. We urge the government to stand firm. We still believe we would make a fantastic contribution to the precinct and building.”

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