Salisbury City Hall to reopen with four bars in September this year
The team Swindon's MECA has been announced as the venues new operator
The new operators of Salisbury City Hall tell us they're "extremely excited" to get started, with the venue set to reopen in early September.
The team behind Swindon's MECA has agreed a 25 year lease with Wiltshire Council to run the building, which has been closed since January 2023, when it was last used as a Covid-19 vaccine centre.
Salisbury City Hall director Justin Britchford said he can't wait to get started: "It's been a bit of a slog trying to get everything we wanted and the Council have wanted on paper, but they've been amazing with us.
"We've got some great ideas, some great plans and hopefully some can bring some great acts back to Salisbury."
He told Greatest Hits Radio that when the opportunity to run the venue landed on his desk, it was one he simply couldn't turn down.
"I looked at the pictures of the building and it looks like such an amazing space. We just had to have to come and have a look and get involved with it," he said, adding: "The space is just phenomenal and it's a shame to see anything like that close down."
Justin said they are planning to refurbish the interior of the venue, once Wiltshire Council has concluded its own repairs and maintenance work.
He said the downstairs ladies toilets will be completely refreshed but the main issue of bar service is top of the list of things to address.
"We will now have 4 bars in there instead of the two that they've currently got," he said, adding that cloakroom facilities will be added, new office spaces for management and a fresh look for the foyer area will also be on the way.
Justin said the aim is to have a mixture of large and small events: "Potentially we can do some local comedy stuff. We can do some local band nights, open mic nights, that kind of thing in there."
He added that the Fisherton Street entrance is be restored and reopened as a café called the Picture House café.
We can find out more about upcoming events at the venue, and when the doors will officially open, here.
Wiltshire Council Corporate Director for Place, Parvis Khansari said: "We are delighted that we have finalised an arrangement and that City Hall will reopen soon.
"We want City Hall to have the best chance of long-term success. Justin and his team have the passion, experience and expertise to ensure City Hall will retain its proud standing in the community and complement all the great things the city has to offer.
"Today marks the start of a new era for City Hall and when it re-opens its doors, I'm sure the city and wider area will come out and support it once again."