LATEST STATEMENT FROM WILTSHIRE COUNCIL ON SALISBURY CITY HALL MARKET ENGAGEMENT EVENT

Wiltshire Council has written to "stakeholders" after the Market Engagement Event for City Hall they held just before Christmas.

Their e-mail says: "Dear Stakeholder, We wanted to update you on the progress we have made following our recent Prior Information Notice procurement process and subsequent Market Engagement Event regarding the future of City Hall.

"This process has proven to be insightful and following this, considering all the feedback we received, we are now looking at offering the venue to organisations on a long-term lease, stipulating that it remains as an entertainment venue. Wiltshire Council will retain ownership of the venue.

"We are now in the process of seeking a market provider that will help support us to identify suitable organisations that could take on the lease, and with their expertise we will ensure City Hall is only taken on by the most suitably placed organisation to give it the very best opportunity to thrive for many years to come.

"As City Hall has a status as an Asset of Community Value (ACV), as a council we have to inform the Local Planning Authority of the ‘intention to enter into a relevant disposal’ of the site when there are plans being considered to introduce a future lease is in excess of 25 years in length

"This is a technical and legal process that we have to carry out, however, as stated all along, we remain fully committed to reopening and delivering a thriving City Hall and see it as a key part of the city’s future and we feel a long term-lease to an organisation that shares our vision is the best possible option.

"As you will appreciate, there is still much work to do before we confirm any final arrangements, but we’ll keep you updated as this process continues. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email arts@wiltshire.gov.uk "

As one of the Councillors who has been pushing Wiltshire Council to re-open the venue I am frustrated by the Council's slow progress.

Every day that goes past means lost audiences and lost income. City Hall customers are simply going elsewhere. The loss to Salisbury's night-time economy is colosal. Millions of £££s that could have been spent in our cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs has been gone. Come on Wiltshire Council, pull your finger out!