A Highgate theatre generates almost £2million for the local economy every year – supporting the equivalent of 60 jobs – a study has revealed.

Jacksons Lane arts centre, in Archway Road, welcomes 180,000 people from all over London and the UK through its doors every year, who go on to spend money in the local community, the report claims.

Funnyman Eddie Izzard, comedy duo The Mighty Boosh and Little Britain stars David Walliams and Matt Lucas all started out at the creative space.

The study, commissioned by the arts centre, reveals that for every £1 Haringey Council invests in Jacksons Lane, the venue generates £17.65 for the local economy.

Overall, the theatre and creative space produces a £1.945million net economic impact on the local economy and is the equivalent of supporting 60 Haringey jobs outside of Jacksons Lane, the report adds.

James Tilston, chief executive of Jacksons Lane, said: “Arts centres and theatres like this have always had a massive role to play in bringing new money into areas like Haringey.

“That Jacksons Lane brings local businesses £2million a year and supports an additional 60 jobs in the area is testament to the financial value of the arts, but that’s just a small part of the story.

“We’re incredibly proud of the artistic and social value we have for our community, and that we also generate so much for the economy is a happy by-product.”

The report, by BOP Consulting research group, was commissioned to find out just how much the venue, which relies on donations and fundraising efforts to fund 60 per cent of its budget, gives back to the local economy.

It also shows that while two-thirds of the arts centre’s audience lives in Haringey, a fifth travel there from across London.

The study scrutinised the organisation’s spending, as well as the money brought into the area by its audiences, to calculate how much it contributes to the local economy.

But the report adds that the figures must be read alongside the venue’s cultural and social impact, saying that the arts centre “creates a buzz around the area” and “brings the local community together”.

Cllr Alan Strickland, cabinet member for culture at Haringey Council, said: “Jacksons Lane is an excellent and well-used community arts centre and a cultural hub that brings thousands of visitors to Haringey every year.

“We truly value its work, which supports our ambitions to create a vibrant arts scene across the borough.”

Hornsey and Wood Green MP Lynne Featherstone added: “I’m delighted that the faith local people and I have in Jacksons Lane has been proven right.”