We’re well on the way to filling the Grand Hall at Preston Guild Hall with how many people have backed the city having a major venue again.
On Wednesday evening we launched our petition calling for the Secretary of State for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, to lend her support to resolving the lack of a significant entertainment venue in Preston.
It comes after Preston City Council said last week they would continue to explore over the next 12 months either repair or demolish and rebuild options around the future of Preston Guild Hall which has stood unused in its two main venues since 2019 – first due to a legal dispute and then due to crumbly concrete (RAAC) being discovered in the roof.
Read more: Replacement for Guild Hall won’t necessarily be built at same site
More than 1,200 concerned Prestonians have signed our petition calling for ‘Preston Guild Hall: Let’s get the show back on in Preston, Lisa Nandy’ in a matter of days, with the petition passing the 1,300 mark this morning.
We’ve also seen Preston’s MP Sir Mark Hendrick write to the Minister urging her to commit ‘significant funding’ towards any plan around the Guild Hall.
While Preston’s Business Improvement District gave their backing to our campaign, highlighting the knock-on impact the lack of a major venue is having on hospitality businesses in the city centre, and also sending their own letter direct to the minister.
Preston City Council’s Labour leader councillor Matthew Brown also welcomed our campaign – and reiterated his group had pledged ‘to deliver a major entertainment facility for Preston’ and said they will ‘naturally be speaking with ministers, funders and stakeholders as we pursue a new or refurbished venue in the next 12 months’.
One of those to sign the petition, David, summed things up nicely: “City of Preston needs a medium to large arts venue, we only have the Ferret and Continental who are both ping an excellent job as smaller venues. Preston people deserve it!”
Co-editor of Blog Preston, Kate Rosindale, who writes extensively about arts, culture and what’s on in the city, said: “It’s been heartening to see just how much support there is for restoring a major venue to the city – in some shape or form. Thanks to everyone who has already signed and shared.
“We hope the petition is acting as a place for people to send their message, and express their frustration at the status quo in a positive way so that a solution is found.
“We know it’s unlikely significant government funding would arrive as a result of a petition, but having the ear of the government in helping the council – who have said a solution is likely beyond their means or any future council – can’t be a bad thing. We hope everyone can get behind getting the show back on in the city.”
Sign the petition now and share with friends, family, colleagues and anyone you used to go to the Guild Hall with!
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