Salisbury's MP enters into City Hall reopening and safety debate

John Glen says the venue 'cannot open now, but it can and will stage shows again'

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 20th Jul 2023

Salisbury's MP has waded into the row over the reopening, safety and renovation costs of City Hall.

John Glen says he's been 'perplexed' to have received so many emails from local people, asking him to 'save' the venue.

He says the petition set up, calling for the building to be put back into use immediately |newtab) has 'given people the erroneous impression that the Council was not already planning to reopen it'.

Mr Glen says that from the many meetings he's had with Wiltshire Council, he believes:

"Nothing could be further from the truth. I have been in numerous meetings where Wiltshire Council’s commitment to restore City Hall to full use has been repeated in no uncertain terms."

"Survey work has discovered that the suspended plaster ceiling has deteriorated and, if loud music were played in the auditorium, there is a real danger of collapse.

"I hope it is a given that, as well as having a responsibility to maintain City Hall as a war memorial and public asset, the council also has a duty to keep concertgoers safe.

"The City Hall cannot open now, but it can and will stage shows again as soon as it is practical and safe to do so."

John Glen is also trying to reassure constituents when it comes to the £2 million price tag for repairs:

"While the task of restoring the venue is going to be unexpectedly expensive, the council has never said it is ‘too expensive’, as some campaigners claim, and it has invested considerable effort in finding the necessary funding."

There have been calls for City Hall to be used as a community hub |newtab), with suggestions from Wiltshire Council that the venue could form part of a wider Cultural Quarter, and even be an option for a relocated city Library.

That's something Salisbury's MP thinks should be considered:

"As major work has to be carried out for public safety, I think we should consider whether there are other things that should be done to make the facility fit for the next 60 years.

"This is a valid question, and it makes sense to ask it now.

"To all those who care deeply about the City Hall - thank you. Instead of worrying needlessly, it would be great if you could consider exactly what you love about it and whether you think there are other things it could do to entertain and enrich Salisbury even more in the future."

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