A NEW operator has been selected for Salisbury City Hall – with hopes it could re-open later this year.
The Cabinet at Wiltshire Council approved a preferred bidder for the site, which will be run as an entertainment venue, at a meeting on Tuesday (January 21).
Although the council cannot formally confirm the provider until terms and a lease are agreed, a spokesperson said the move was a “significant step forward” in settling the future of the hall.
Members of the Cabinet also approved around £300,000 of funding to make improvements to the external fabric of the building, which will take place either in advance of the lease starting or concurrently with any fit out by the occupier.
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The council said if a lease and terms can be formally agreed with the provider, the venue could re-open later this year.
Leader of the council, Cllr Richard Clewer, said: “It’s always been our priority to open City Hall as a live entertainment venue in a long-term sustainable way without subsidy.
“I’m pleased we have now agreed a preferred operator and that we now look to agree formal terms. The process we have followed, and the necessary due diligence we have carried out, means that when the venue does reopen then it has the best possible opportunity to thrive as an entertainment venue.
“Despite the local speculation of the preferred operator, it’s important we as a council continue to follow the proper process so we do not jeopardise any potential agreements, but all being well we should have some good news and formal confirmation very soon.”
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