SALISBURY City Hall is being offered on a long-term lease – so long as it remains an entertainment venue.
Now, following those discussions, the authority is offering the hall up on a long-term lease.
The council said it is now looking for a market provider to support it in identifying suitable organisations that could take on the venue.
City Hall has Asset of Community Value (ACV) status, so the council has to inform the Local Planning Authority of the ‘intention to enter into a relevant disposal’ of the site when there are plans being considered to introduce a future lease is in excess of 25 years in length.
This is a technical and legal process that the council has carry out, however it remains fully committed to reopening City Hall as an entertainment venue, said council leader, Cllr Richard Clewer.
He said: “We’re pleased to have reached this stage of the process because, as we’ve stated all along, we are fully committed to reopening City Hall as a thriving entertainment venue and see it as key part of the city’s future.
READ MORE: Third party still being sought to run Salisbury City Hall as a venue
READ MORE: £2 million bill to re-open Salisbury City Hall as a venue
“Following our recent procurement exercise and market engagement work it clearly emerged that looking to offer City Hall out on a long-term lease was the most suitable option and will give the venue the best possible chance of long-term success.
“If we secure an organisation to take on the venue we will remain as owners and ensure that the venue is retained as an entertainment venue, which will complement the overall cultural quarter vision we have for the city.
“These is still work to do before we can confirm any final arrangements, but we’re excited about the future and look forward to securing a provider through a rigorous process as soon as possible.”
Information on City Hall can be found at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/salisbury-city-hall.
We are a local church currently worshiping every Sunday at the 5 rivers leisure centre but hoping to move to a bigger or permanent space. Wondering if there is a chance to meet up for a chat. Kind regards