CORNBOW Hall is the next venue Dudley Council is hoping to offload to the public in a move which is expected to save the cash-strapped authority almost £100,000 a year.
Similar to the council’s ongoing arrangement with Dudley CVS involving Brierley Hill Civic Hall, community groups are now being invited to help breathe new life into the Halesowen centre.
Council chiefs are looking to transfer the day-to-day running of the Hagley Street venue to the public – saving £96,000 of taxpayers’ cash.
It would mean a community group would take on the responsibility for organising shows, events and other attractions, with the council retaining ownership of the site.
Since Dudley CVS took on the running of Brierley Hill Civic Hall, the landmark building has flourished due to a greater community use, while some of the top names in national comedy and entertainment have appeared on stage.
Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said: “We have some fantastic community groups using the venue now for popular events and it is only right we look to build on that.
“A community group running the venue could give this venue fresh impetus to bring in new acts which will in turn help bring even more people to the town.
“We have already proven this approach can be very successful with Brierley Hill Civic Hall going from strength to strength.
“But it is important we find the right group who share our vision for keeping this in community use and create a vibrant, inclusive community asset.”
Applicants wanting to take on the running of Cornbow Hall would have to demonstrate a strong business plan that is financially sustainable to ensure the venue can remain open for future generations.
They must also be able to show how the building would be used for wider use for the benefit of the whole of the community.
Interested parties have until Friday December 15 to register an interest, while business cases need to be submitted by the end of February 2018 before a successful applicant is announced in March.
To apply, email martin.shaw@dudley.gov.uk or call 01384 815171.
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