The long waited re-opening of Fairfield Halls is one step closer, with the preferred people picked to run it announced.

BH Live, a seasoned leisure and event operator, have been named the ‘preferred bidder’ and will take the helm of the theatre and arts cultural centre after it opens next year.

The £30million two-year full refurbish has been promises to bring new and improved artistic, cultural and community activities.

It is proposed the newly reopened Fairfield Halls would also feature a seasonal ice rink, a street food court and even a microbrewery with a wood-fired oven and craft beers brewed on site.

Part of the operator’s pledge includes creating partnerships with neighbouring schools and colleges as well as developing outreach programmes for young people.

BH Live currently operates venues including Bournemouth International Centre and Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre, as well as hospitality and event banqueting at venues including the London Aquatics Centre and Copper Box at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

The programme of 800 shows will include opera, ballet, comedy, dance and community events.

BH Live’s chief executive Peter Gunn said: “We are delighted to have been selected as the preferred operator to return Fairfield Halls back to the community as a transformed and thriving cultural hub. As ambassadors of culture, leisure and events we will work with Croydon Council and the local community, to breathe new life into the venue and create a forward-thinking programme to encourage mass participation and enjoyment – one that is accessible and sustainable for the communities of Croydon and beyond.

“As a social enterprise, one of our defining differences is that the surplus we make enables us to invest back into the venues and services we deliver. It also enables us to provide a diverse programme of activities and events with broad appeal to maximise on the venue’s unique spaces, which will further boost audiences and participation.”

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