BEDWORTH Civic Hall could soon be open and operating as a hub of entertainment again after the Borough council announced the organisation which will run the iconic venue.
Bedworth Community Interest Company (CIC) has been awarded the opportunity to agree a lease with the local authority and run the venue for up to 20 years.
The 700-plus seat theatre has been closed since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The decision comes after a detailed bidding process in which interested parties were invited to propose how they would run the building.
Bedworth Civic Hall will still be owned by the Borough Council.
Last year, the councils cabinet agreed it should no longer operate the venue due to difficulties related to its age and covering operating costs.
The Borough council’s portfolio holder for public services, Coun Sue Markham, said: “The Borough Council has been focused since day one of this process on ensuring the best deal we can achieve for the Council Tax payers of this Borough.
“We believe the way forward we have identified achieves this.
“We have been open throughout this process, and will now work to complete a legal agreement with Bedworth CIC.
“We would like to see the lease concluded quickly so that the Civic Hall can reopen under the CIC’s management.
“We hope in due course they enjoy every success in bringing forward a programme of entertainment again for local people and visitors from further afield.”
Bedworth CIC chair Steven Young added the group looked forward to working with the council to enable the continued use and success of the venue.
