The Beck Theater will close on Monday January 13, Hillingdon Council has announced, despite repeated statements that they do not want to see the theater close. This comes after a public row between the council and the former operators which has now finally culminated in the closure.
In a statement released today (Thursday October 31), Hillingdon Council said: “The council had sought to negotiate a new lease with Trafalgar Theaters to allow them to continue their management of the facility at a peppercorn rent with the council responsible for necessary repairs and maintenance Trafalgar has insisted that the council also pay an ongoing contribution.
“The council has decided that this is no longer appropriate with public finances under such pressure, noting that Trafalgar Theaters is a for-profit company that pays dividends to its owners. In the absence of an agreement, Trafalgar’s contract with the council will end on January 13 and the Beck Theater closing while the consultants look for new management.”
The council also announced that commercial theater consultants would be appointed. In a bid to reassure residents of their commitment to the theatre, these consultants will “support its procurement of a long-term operator”.
Jonathan Haynes, a Back the Beck campaigner, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that he believes this is part of the council’s plan to close the theatre, something the council has previously strongly denied.
He said: “We know an operator has been committed for three weeks with an option to open on January 5. They can’t bring anyone in after closing. These are just lies. It will close for good.
“Unfortunately we saw this coming weeks ago. They have made sure there is no viable alternative and have turned down the clock. They said they were positively engaging and now they have done this. It is gross incompetence and I am outraged .”
Councilor Stuart Mathers, deputy leader of Hillingdon Council, told LDRS: “We are deeply disappointed that Conservative-run Hillingdon Council is now at a point of seeking a new operator.
“They had one who had agreed not to get a grant and the council ran down the clock so that any proposal would need council support to be viable. This does not sound like the negotiations of a council that wants to keep the Beck open to residents. from Hillingdon. “
In the council’s statement, council leader Ian Edwards said: “We recognize the valuable contribution our theaters make to our communities and are keen to maintain a strong offering of arts and culture. -time stability as a commercial theater without a financial contribution from the taxpayer. The consultants begin their work immediately.
Hillingdon Council has been contacted for further comment.
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