Private firm could run Palace Theatre

A private company could be brought in to run Newark’s Palace Theatre.

The idea will be considered by Newark and Sherwood District Council’s cabinet next week.

The council has been considering options for running the theatre since May last year.

The Palace Theatre Commissioning Group has made recommendations to the cabinet, which meets a week today, and, at the top of the list, is a proposal to explore the option of a third party operating and managing the theatre.

The commissioning group believes this would help to increase use of the theatre and could secure its future for a further ten to 15 years.

The management and operation would be taken on by an external organisation with experience in theatre management.

The building would remain in the council’s ownership and would be leased to the company.

The commissioning group believes a contract for a set period, probably ten to 15 years, would give the company time and opportunity to increase use of the building and focus on marketing and programming to bring more people through the door.

Staff at the theatre would transfer to the company.

If the council decides to proceed, the contract would be subject to a competitive tendering process.

The council has been looking at ways of reducing its theatre subsidy after paying a £387,000 in 2011/12.

That was reduced by £100,000 for 2012/13 after the council put in place measures to reduce the theatre’s running costs and increase income.

The cabinet member for leisure and culture, Mr Roger Jackson, said: “We have carried out extensive consultation with people who use the theatre, as well as those who don’t, who are, quite frankly, in the majority.

“It is a difficult task balancing different priorities, especially at a time when the council’s Government grant is being reduced.

“But in exploring whether experts could run the theatre on the council’s behalf, we would need to assess whether the use of the building could be increased, whether we could bring additional value to the town’s cultural quarter when the National Civil War Centre opens next to the theatre, and whether it would be financially advantageous.”