Council considering options over civic hall lease

Bedworth Civic Hall reopened in July

A charitable group has been accused of failing to meet deadlines to sign a lease for Bedworth Civic Hall.

Bedworth Civic Hall Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) had been chosen as the preferred bidder to take over the operation of the building.

But Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council said despite a "considerable amount of time and effort" from council officers, two deadlines had passed in August without the lease being signed.

It said it would now "consider its options to ensure Bedworth Civic Hall is operational again".

In a statement, the council said it had spent "significant funds on repair works, with further costs likely to be incurred", including regular maintenance.

Bedworth Civic Hall first opened in 1973, but closed in October 2022 when the council said the cost of maintaining the venue meant it was no longer economically viable.

Following the work carried out by the council, it was able to reopen its doors to audiences on 19 July.

The authority said the offer made to the CIO included contributions towards insurance and the authority paying three months’ worth of utility costs, along with a 12 month rent free period before payments toward the rental fee would start.

But the council said it was looking at its options following the group's "inability to sign the lease agreement to continue operating Bedworth Civic Hall".

The BBC has contacted the CIO for a comment.