Feedback on Sub Rooms sought
Published: Monday, 21 November, 2016
Stroud District Council has started the process to look at the long term future of the Stroud Subscription Rooms. Whilst the council provides other small grants to arts venues and organisations in the district, the Sub Rooms is the only council-owned and run arts and entertainment facility. Last year it spent £415,000 on running the venue.
Councillor Steve Lydon, leader of Stroud District Council, said:
“With councils coming under increasing financial pressure, we have to look at everything we do to make sure that we are providing value for money services. Against this backdrop we set up a ‘task and finish group’ in October to look at possible options for how the Sub Rooms are run. The group has now launched the first consultation exercise to gather the initial views of users, stakeholders and interested parties so that we can then come up with a number of options to investigate further.”
Surveys are now being conducted and opinions sought from existing users of the venue and other community and stakeholder groups, so that a list of options to can be put to the council’s strategy and resources committee in January. The committee will then approve a shortlist of options to investigate in more detail to come up with final proposals.
Councillor Lydon added:
“We should emphasise that this is just the start of the process to look at options and that no decision has been made. We need to find the best way to secure the future for this valued public asset, hence this consultation is essential in informing any future decision making. The review will look at all possible options including the council continuing to run it as at present, having it run by a trust or community group or potential sale to a private enterprise – and we’re keen for any further suggestions.”
The entire review is expected to take well over a year and as options are narrowed down there will then be wider opportunities for stakeholders and anyone who wishes to take part to put their views forward. A drop-in event and open public consultation will take place in spring 2017 on a date yet to be set.
Whilst the council is contacting known stakeholders and customers, any organisation that wishes to take part in the survey and consultation should email subrooms.review@stroud.gov.uk
The deadline for responses to this first consultation is Monday 5 December 2016.