Those interested in running a council-owned theatre, which closed after recording losses of \u00a3250,000, are being urged to submit an expression of interest.<\/p>\n
Guildford Borough Council, which owns the Electric Theatre, says it wants to understand the level of interest in the community arts venue and identify future management options before a formal procurement process.<\/p>\n
Vanessa King, the council’s deputy leader, said: “We’re keen to hear from the widest range of interested parties, from community-led and charitable organisations through to commercial and alternative-use operators.”<\/p>\n
Written expressions of interest and completed operator response forms must be submitted by midday on 30 October.<\/p>\n
The Surrey council said it was also looking for views on how operators could provide local employment opportunities, affordable pricing, high-quality programming and a resilient business model.<\/p>\n
The operators of the Electric Theatre in Guildford cancelled shows from April 2025<\/a> after recording the losses in 2023-24.<\/p>\n The theatre was leased out to ACM Commercial Ltd until it went into administration in May 2025, with the lease being surrendered to the council in August that year.<\/p>\n Julia McShane, leader of the council, said: “This has always been about working with our community to find the best way forward. <\/p>\n “The views shared have helped us reach this important stage and will continue to inform the decisions we make as we move ahead.”<\/p>\n Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, external<\/a>, X, external<\/a>, and Instagram, external<\/a> and listen to BBC Radio Surrey on Sounds<\/a>. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk , external<\/a>or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.<\/p>\n