THE future of Leamington’s Spa Centre looks brighter after councillors agreed to look at ways to transform the venue.
Warwick District Council’s executive committee met last week to discuss recommendations put forward, which look at the future of the 37-year-old entertainment venue in Newbold Terrace.
Members voted to support the Task and Finish group’s recommendations, which means a detailed business plan will be developed for the venue that looks to find ways to reduce the subsidy currently required.
Last year the Spa Centre had to be subsidised £557,508 by Warwick District Council.
And figures show the centre can lose up to £2,000 each time it hosts a show.
Council officers will also complete a detailed market- testing exercise to consider alternatives for the venue.
Investigations will take place to look at alternative venues which could be used by community groups in the future.
Cllr Susan Gallagher, portfolio holder for culture, said: “Every effort will be made to transform the venue into a more cost-effective operation. This will hopefully be achieved through the introduction of a revised programme of acts and artists and more effective marketing of the venue.”
These actions will be top priority for the Spa Centre’s newly appointed general manager, Antony Flint, who will take the lead in January 2010 after leaving his current post at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry.
Cllr Gallagher added: “We are aware of the wide range of community groups currently using the venue and want to assure them that we will retain close communication to understand their needs.
“This information will be vital to enable us to protect the valuable contribution these groups offer the local community.”
The Spa Centre opened in 1972 and includes an 800-seat theatre and a 200-seat cinema.
It hosts productions by local amateur dramatics companies including Leamington and Warwick Musical Society, the Spa Theatre Company and Spa Opera Group.
The National Blood Service also holds drop-in donation sessions.
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