City venue has 'so much potential' say new operators

The new operator of Salisbury's closed City Hall said it has a lot of potential

The operator taking over a closed city venue that once hosted The Beatles has said the site has got "potential".

Music Entertainment Culture and Arts (MECA) will be running Salisbury City Hall after signing a lease agreement with Wiltshire Council, with plans for an opening night in late August.

The venue has been closed for a number of years and was last used as a vaccination centre during the pandemic.

Justin Britchford from MECA said that part of their work includes increasing the numbers of bars and re-opening the Fisherton Street entrance.

Salisbury City Hall - which has capacity for more than 1,000 people - will continue to be known by its original name.

It had previously hosted Led Zeppelin as well as household names from the world of comedy.

Local resident Matt Bevan told the BBC: "I think it's a very great thing for the community because it's going to bring in more social events and acts. It'll help with the hospitality businesses."

Adam Cater, head chef at a nearby restaurant, said people are excited about the reopening: "The more we can get people to stay and see what the local businesses have to offer is just great for us."

MECA has already got a website running with a list of future events

MECA said it has good relationships with tour promoters after reinvested a lot into its Swindon venue.

"It's got so much potential. With the main room itself, the foyer, the three rooms upstairs and the radio studio on the top floor. There's a lot that can be done with the building" said Mr Britchford.

He explained that bars and cafes are very important to venues now, so it will have four bars in future, with a cafe attached to one as well.