Salisbury City Hall: Wiltshire Council issue update
They've reiterated their desire to reopen the venue
Wiltshire Council's issued an update on the future of Salisbury City Hall, saying they remain committed to getting the venue reopened.
In January this year, the council announced plans to establish a long-term lease partnership, and it's now understood that the Council is at an 'advanced stage' to securing an agreement.
The council will insist on the venue being used for entertainment purposes and remain in council ownership.
Council Leader, Cllr Richard Clewer, says City Hall is seen as an integral part of the City's future.
"Our sole focus is to secure an appropriate external operator who will reopen and manage it on our behalf as a thriving entertainment venue which complements our long-term vision for the city."
The council say they're in the final stages of appointing a specialist company to market the venue on it's behalf, in order to identify organisations best placed to enter a lease of more than 25 years.
Cllr Clewer added: “We are aware that there has been a little confusion created due to the legal process that we must go through in order to grant a long lease.
"We did clarify this at the time in January, but the formal wording of this process, the ‘intention to enter into a relevant disposal’ of the site, is just part of the statutory procedure of us informing the Local Planning Authority of our intentions. I reiterate that we are not looking to sell the venue or change the site for another purpose, we remain committed to reopening it as an entertainment venue.
“I will be meeting with the Friends of the City Hall group to speak to them about the process we’re following to reopen and take any questions they may have.
“We are entering into the advanced stages of a detailed procurement process and finalising the appointment of a market provider to help us engage with potential operators very soon.”
Wiltshire Council has provided a brief written update for this week’s Salisbury Area Board (7 March), but stakeholders will be kept up to date when it is in a position to confirm further details.