'World class' venue operator set to run long-delayed Wolverhampton Civic Halls, say council chiefs
A "world class" entertainment venue operator is set to be appointed to run the long-delayed Civic Halls, council chiefs have announced.
The Wolverhampton city centre venue is due to reopen in early 2022 following a major refurbishment programme – which has gone over budget and way past its original completion date of by 2017.
Council chiefs say once open the venue will again host leading musical and entertainment acts, attracting visitors to the city and boosting the local economy.
The refurbishment was originally supposed to cost £10.4 million and be completed by 2017, expanding capacity to around 5,000 and bringing vastly improved facilities. The famous venue has now been largely out of action for around five years.
But the final price tag for the works is expected to be beyond £43 million.
Wolverhampton Council's was due to approve a preferred operator from a shortlist of premier names at a meeting this week. The preferred operator, which will then enter into a long-term partnership with the authority, will be announced in May.
The new operator will also work closely with development contractor, Willmott Dixon Interiors, on the final stages of the multi-million-pound transformation of the Grade II-listed building.
Councillor Stephen Simkins, cabinet member for city economy, said: “Bold and ambitious projects like the Civic Halls, the award-winning Interchange, i9, Art Gallery, Future High Streets Fund improvements and Canalside city living plans, are essential to the Wolverhampton’s regeneration strategy, wider transformation and economic well-being.
"They were important before Covid-19 struck – and are even more important now.
Expertise
“From a final shortlist of three world class operators, we are delighted to be in the enviable position of securing a leading name with an incredibly strong track record.
“Their expertise will help take the iconic venue to the next level and provide an amazing experience for anyone visiting the halls.
“The works that are being carried out on the building will enable them to attract more popular and prestigious entertainment acts, while retaining the current characteristics of the venue that make them popular with performers, producers and audiences.
“The Civic is an integral part of Wolverhampton’s entertainment and music heritage and an important part of our visitor economy.
“We believe it has the potential to become a recognised venue not just regionally and nationally, but also internationally.
“The re-opening and the successful operation of the halls will reap big rewards in terms of jobs and economic benefit for the city as we look to relight from the impact of the pandemic.”
The works being undertaken by Willmott Dixon Interiors will see the height above the stage to the rear of the Civic Hall increased to attract bigger and better shows.
Overall, there will be wider and more comfortable seats, more bars and more space to socialise, expanded and revamped toilet facilities to give visitors an improved experience, lift access to new balconies, better access arrangements for disabled visitors (including enhanced wheelchair access), a greater number of accessible viewing points, and improved room temperatures through the installation of a new air conditioning system.
