The Stage

Swansea’s Grand Theatre considers overhaul options

Published Tuesday 7 September 2010 at 15:29 by Natalie Woolman

Swansea Council is considering overhauling the way in which the city’s Grand Theatre is run, as part of a cost-cutting drive.

The local authority, which owns and runs the 19th-century building, is evaluating its management of the venue as part of an in-depth review into several of its indoor leisure facilities.

Swansea Council has commissioned the survey in the light of the current economic climate, in a bid to save money. The review, which will cover all the options for the venue including continuing the current system, is expected to be completed at the beginning of 2011.

A report prepared for the council’s cabinet states that there are “a number of options” that could be applied to the theatre. These could include bringing in a private company on a management contract, working with not for profit organisations or regional partnerships with other councils.

In a statement, Graham Thomas, the council’s cabinet member for culture, recreation and tourism said: “This type of review has already been successfully implemented in many places across the UK, so it’s by no means unique to Swansea.

“We’re also in a position where we’ve seen the success of Bay Leisure Ltd in running the [local leisure centre] LC in a cost-effective way since its launch. This type of trust model could be used elsewhere in the city.”

Any alternative management arrangements should be in place in 2012, according to the report.

The document also states that the theatre’s income topped £3 million in 2009/10. The 1,000-seat Grand Theatre is the only remaining complete theatre designed by William Hope.