Preston city centre businesses have urged people to support our call for action on restoring a major venue in the city.
With Preston Guild Hall’s fate continuing to be unclear more than 300 people have already signed our petition calling for the Culture Secretary to intervene in the issue and future of the building.
This afternoon Preston Business Improvement District, who represent city centre firms, have echoed our call for Lisa Nandy to take a look at how Preston’s quest for a venue can be supported.
Read more: Opinion: Final countdown is on for Preston Guild Hall’s sorry saga
City centre restaurateur, Carlo Bragagnini of the San Marco Group who operate Angelos and Stratos in the city centre said he wanted to see action – as with a venue like the Guild Hall open he estimates he would be doing an additional 100 meals-a-night when shows are on.May
He said: “Preston is a great place to visit, and we’re thankful that we have loyal customers who supporting our family restaurant.
“But we know that the city is crying out for a large-scale leisure and entertainment venue, which would undoubtedly encourage more people in to the city and support its hardworking and committed businesses, who want to see the city succeed.
“We’re urging the Secretary of State to help Preston level up, and assist us in bringing forward a modern facility for the city.”
At Blog Preston we launched the petition on Wednesday evening calling for Lisa Nandy and DCMS to intervene after last week Preston City Council announced they would spend the next 12 months considering a way forward for the Guild Hall – which has been closed since 2019.
The city council said whatever outcome for the Guild Hall would involve considerable funding support to achieve the city once again having a major venue.
Deputy leader and cabinet member for resources at the Labour-run administration councillor Martyn Rawlinson said last week delivering an update on the Guild Hall as part of the council’s annual budget setting: “The cost of delivering a new build scheme of this size and scale, is currently beyond this council’s budget and quite possibly beyond any future unitary Council’s budget, post Local Government Reorganisation. Ballpark costs have been quoted in the region of £60-£100m. We will spend a maximum of one year exploring options available to us, to see whether it is feasible to raise the funding for such a project.
“At the same time, we will cost the current renovations which include a new roof and bringing all fixtures and fittings up to current requirements, making it fit for purpose as a modern venue for smaller scale concert and touring shows. Within 12 months, we will know what the best option is and then aim for an operational venue in time for the Guild celebrations in 2032 or sooner.”
Preston’s Lib Dem group however said they would not explore restoration of the current venue and instead move to demolish the Guild Hall and build a new venue.
Backing our call for the Culture Secretary to pledge her support for a major venue, Preston BID’s chairman John Boydell said: “A new, state of the art Guild Hall would not only provide a platform for national and international acts but also stimulate local businesses, especially in the hospitality sector.
“Supporting Preston’s cultural future is vital for the city’s growth and vibrancy. A reopened, modern Guild Hall would be a game changer, drawing visitors, supporting local business and enriching community life.
“Preston remains committed to delivering a thriving cultural scene, but decisive national support is needed to ensure the city’s arts and culture sector continues to flourish.”
You can see the full letter from Preston BID to the Secretary of State.
They also highlighted how Lancashire receives only £7 per capita annually in Arts Culture funding compared to £35 in Liverpool and £38 in Manchester, and we reported in February last year the city ranked as one of the worst funded for creatives.
330 people have so far signed our petition which is addressed to Lisa Nandy MP, Ian Murray MP and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). You can view the petition on Change.org and sign it there.
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