Manor Pavilion Theatre owners East Devon District Council and Sidmouth Town Council met again recently to continue discussions about the future ownership of the Manor Pavilion – Sidmouth’s popular family entertainment venue.
This follows early talks in 2011, when a working group was set up to investigate the possibility of the town council taking over responsibility for the theatre and the adjacent Arts Centre.
Speaking after the latest talks, Councillor Andrew Moulding, EDDC’s Deputy Leader, said: “We are pleased with the progress we are making and clearly both Councils share a mutual objective of seeing the theatre thrive for the future. The current manager is doing an excellent job, notwithstanding the difficult financial climate being faced by all theatres. We all agree that working together will ensure the town retains this excellent facility. At this stage it is too early to say whether any transfer of ownership might take place but we welcome the Town Council’s enthusiastic input.
“What we can do is assure the many people who use and cherish this seaside institution that it will survive and thrive whatever the final outcome of these discussions”.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Chairman of Sidmouth Town Council, said: “Both councils understand the special place the Manor Pavilion has in the hearts of locals and visitors alike and there is no question of anyone interfering with that”.
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