Third-party partner sought for Salisbury City Hall reopening plans
Wiltshire Council have notified their intent to relevant organisations
Wiltshire Council are pushing on with plans to get Salisbury City Hall reopened.
They're seeking a third-party organisation to help run City Hall as an entertainment venue and recently issued a Prior Information Notice (PIN), which notifies the market and relevant organisations of the council's intent.
It's hoped the PIN will allow the council to gain a better understanding of the interest levels among third-parties to manage and operate City Hall on the council's behalf as a multiple purpose entertainment and cultural venue.
City Hall has been closed since March 2020, before being used as a vaccination centre during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The council have since identified problems with the buildings roof, which are estimated to cost around £2 million to repair.
Council Leader Richard Clewer said in a July update: "We can't open a building which isn't safe to allow live music to be played in."
But speaking on the process of finding a third-party partner, Cllr Clewer said:
“I’m pleased we’ve reached this informative stage of the process as we look at the options to secure a third-party provider to work alongside, as ensuring we have the right expertise involved remains a key priority.
The PIN process and recently held Market Engagement event will be important to help us decide the best direction to go in and ensure we are as informed as we possibly can be when making any decisions.
“We’re pleased to engage with potential operators and, with the amount of investment into Salisbury at the moment, we remain committed to reopening and delivering a thriving City Hall and see it as a key part of the city’s future.”
Salisbury City Council have been contacted for comment, after they voted to open negotiations with Wiltshire Council to take control of the venue in September.