Jobs and future at risk at Falmouth's Princess Pavilion
The venue has remained closed since the beginning of lockdown
Last updated 11th Sep 2020
Jobs are at risk at Falmouth's Princess Pavilion, as its future remains uncertain.
The venue in the town has been closed since the start of lockdown in March.
All seven permanent members of staff, plus nine casual employees, were furloughed.
Sadly, Covid safety restrictions mean there is no hope of returning to a full theatre programme until spring 2021.
GLL, the company that manages the site, says they cannot continue as they are and some 'very tough operational decisions' are having to be made.
A consultation is now underway and decisions about the venue's future are expected to be made from next week.
"As a charitable social enterprise and not-for-profit organisation, GLL hasn’t qualified for any government financial support schemes and millions of pounds of income have been lost in Cornwall since March.
"As with more than two thirds of Council leisure services in England, there has been no government funding for leisure services in Cornwall.
"GLL and Cornwall Council are working hard to find a solution and, together with local authorities across the South West, have been jointly lobbying government for an urgent rescue package.
"We are waiting to hear the outcome of a funding bid to the Treasury from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and supported by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, that would help local authorities meet the costs of reopening and operating leisure services across the country caused by the lockdown and ongoing impact of Covid-19."
Joint statement from GLL and Cornwall Council
“Throughout lockdown, GLL has done everything possible to support our colleagues but, with the furlough scheme coming to an end in October, we are having to re-shape our business.
“We advised our Princess Pavilion employees that their jobs were at risk in mid-August and are now formally consulting with them about the future operation of the business. Our latest round of discussions with Cornwall Council is expected to conclude next week and decisions will then be made about the venue’s future.
“Everyone involved in this very difficult process is committed to trying to secure a positive outcome. GLL is a staff-owned organisation and, as such, recognises the valuable and essential role every member of our team plays in delivering our services. We also understand how much the local community loves the Princess Pavilion and all that it offers.
“I must emphasise that this is a consultation process to look at the options. Quite simply, though, we cannot afford to carry on as we are.”
James Curry, GLL’s Head of Service for Cornwall