Four bidders have come forward with a view to helping secure the future of Crewe’s historic Lyceum Theatre.
Cheshire East Council invited interested parties to express an interest in partnering the Council in the future management of the century-old institution.
The response was excellent and the Council received 58 expressions of interest from potential partners and this has now led to four formal bids for the contract.
Cheshire East Council is not looking to sell the Lyceum Theatre; it is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced partner to work with them in managing this landmark asset.
Adverts were placed in local media and appropriate trade publications that gave details about how to tender for the management of the historic facility.
Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “We understand only too well the importance of securing the theatre’s future. The fact that several parties have expressed a real interest in working with us to achieve this is great news.
“The Lyceum Theatre is a much-loved institution that is at the very heart of the local community and it has a proud and rich history, playing host to so many memorable events over the years.
“Our aim is for this to continue. We want to work with a partner who has fresh ideas and enthusiasm and the experience to match the council’s wishes for the theatre to remain as an important cultural asset and to improve the theatrical offer for visitors.
“I am pleased that we now have parties that have come forward who are interested in running this historic and popular venue.”
Councillor Michael Jones, Cabinet member with responsibility for resources, said: “This is a very exciting opportunity to safeguard the future of the Lyceum and enable it to be the best it can be. But we have to be realistic.
“The Lyceum is a valuable community asset which is of benefit to the whole community – so it’s important that we get it right. The Lyceum is a jewel in the crown of Crewe.”
The next step in the process is for the Cabinet to decide, on April 2, whether to formally proceed with the invitation to tender stage. The aim of this process is to arrive at a preferred bidder by the autumn, who will work in partnership with the Council.
No comments:
Post a Comment