A number of theater operators are “interested” in taking over the management of The Beck Theatre, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands. Following a public spat with current operators Trafalgar Entertainment over running costs, Hillingdon Council appointed a specialist consultant to find suitable operators for the theater in Hayes.
In a statement released in October, the council revealed that unless an operator was found, the theater would close its doors on Monday, January 13. But it is now understood that six potential operators are interested in managing the venue, although it is unclear how many submitted proposals by yesterday’s (Monday, November 25) deadline.
Those interested visited the Beck Theater site in Hayes on Wednesday 20 November to meet the consultants and Hillingdon Council’s Deputy Leader, Councilor Jonathan Bianco. Representatives from potential operators explored the site and engaged in discussions with deputy leaders and council officers about what needs to happen over the next 6-8 weeks.
Consultancy group Blue Horizon, brought in by the council to support their efforts to find new operators, is expected to review submitted proposals and make a recommendation to Hillingdon Council in the coming weeks. It is understood that the consultants involved in the effort are “incredibly optimistic.”
Once a recommendation has been submitted to Hillingdon Council, it is expected that the chosen operator and the council will enter into confidential negotiations and discussions on how to move forward with a deal to save the beloved theater from closure. With just over six weeks until the current closing date, these calls are expected to be fast-tracked to prevent the closing, in a process that typically takes several months.
Following this development, the ‘Back the Beck’ campaign group said: “It is encouraging to see so much interest from several theater operators. They recognize the importance of the Beck Theater not only as a key venue on the UK touring circuit but also as an important part of our local community, enriching life and provides a vibrant cultural offering.
“We are optimistic that at least one of these proposals will meet the criteria, paving the way for a seamless transition to a new operator following Trafalgar’s departure on January 13.”
Hillingdon Council has maintained throughout the process that it does not want to see the theater close, but the next few weeks will prove crucial in achieving that goal.
Do you have a story you want to share? E-mail philip.lynch@reachplc.com
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