Another subject being discussed at the Cabinet meeting on the 20th January is the future of Ryde and Shanklin Theatres.
Readers may remember the Cabinet meeting held in July 2007 (which VentnorBlog covered live) when the future of Ryde and Shanklin theatres was last discussed.
A commitment was made by the Cabinet members at that meeting for both theatres to remain open for a further two years, during which time an assessment of the commercial viability would take place and to encourage maximum usage by the community.
With the two year deadline approaching (July 09) the Cabinet members are now being presented with findings from Consultants who have been carrying out the evaluation and assessment.
The document is available online for anyone who wants to read through the detail. Several options have been suggested for development of both theatres and details are given on previously proposed expenditure and what has actually been spent in the last 18 months to maintain both buildings.
What follows are the recommendations being put forward to Cabinet members to debate.
RECOMMENDATION
45. That options (b), (c), (f) and (g) are adopted.b. The Council seeks proposals from commercial operators for the redevelopment and management of Ryde theatre making provision for sufficient community use and at no cost to the Council. Such proposals to be considered no later than the end of July 2009.
c. The Council seeks proposals from community groups to undertake the management and maintenance of Ryde theatre at no cost to the Council. Such proposals to be considered no later than the end of July 2009.
f. The Council seeks proposals from commercial operators for the redevelopment and management of Shanklin theatre making provision for sufficient community use and at no cost to the Council. Such proposals to be considered no later than the end of July 2009.
g. The Council seeks proposals from community groups to undertake the management and maintenance of Shanklin theatre at no cost to the Council. Such proposals to be considered no later than the end of July 2009.
We hope to cover the meeting live from County Hall for those unable to attend themselves.
Back in April last year we caught up with Jazzie B, OBE before his performance to find out his views on the importance of keeping Ryde Theatre open as a functional venue for the community.
Take a listen …
[audio:http://otw-audio.s3.amazonaws.com/Jazzie-B-save-ryde-theatre.mp3]
Image: Courtesy of Rick Stanbridge
