FALLING numbers in a post-pandemic world will see a popular café in Salisbury close, it has been announced.

The cafe at Salisbury Arts Centre will shut on October 31, along with displays of visual arts and some classes which take place at the venue.

Wiltshire Creative, which runs the facility, said the decision was made ‘in light of the prevailing economic conditions and the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic’ and was taken after a review of the viability of all its activities.

It said: “To that end, for the foreseeable future, the café at Salisbury Arts Centre will cease its current operations effective as of October 31, 2022. In addition, the regular displays of visual arts and some classes will be suspended.

“Patrons should rest assured that all live performances at Salisbury Arts Centre will be unaffected by these changes, and the bar will operate as normal.”

Executive director of Wiltshire Creative, Sebastian Warrack, added: “No one wants to take decisions of this nature. However, these are necessary to ensure that Wiltshire Creative remains a resource for everyone now, and for generations to come.”

Wiltshire Creative, a registered charity, was formed from a merger in February 2018, combining the artistic outputs of Salisbury Playhouse, Salisbury International Arts Festival and Salisbury Arts Centre, and creating a cross-platform arts hub for the region.

“Since its creation, the company has faced a series of challenges – first the two Novichok incidents in March and June 2018, then the global pandemic,” a spokesperson added.

“The combined impact has had a negative effect on audience attendance across the organisation, putting significant pressure on financial revenue.”