The Chester Storyhouse, a pivotal cultural centre in the region, is poised for a promising future with a proposed lease extension.
- Cheshire West and Chester Council leaders are expected to approve a 10-year lease extension for Chester’s Storyhouse.
- The council’s cabinet will meet to discuss supporting the extension of the current lease and service contract.
- The Storyhouse, opened in 2017, offers a diverse range of facilities and hosts numerous community and cultural events.
- The proposal aims to secure the future of Storyhouse, enhancing its financial resilience and securing external investments.
Council leaders in Cheshire West and Chester are set to approve a significant 10-year extension to the lease of the widely cherished Storyhouse venue. The council’s ruling cabinet is scheduled to discuss the extension of the current lease and service contract with this cultural hub.
The Storyhouse has been an integral part of Chester since its inception in 2017. Established in the beautifully renovated Art Deco Grade II-listed former Odeon Cinema, the £37 million complex includes an 800-seat auditorium, a 150-seat studio theatre, a restaurant, two bars, and a 100-seat independent cinema.
The venue is famed for hosting over 130 community groups and organising a variety of festivals. Notable events include the Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre and the Moonlight Flicks, all contributing to its status as a central cultural establishment.
The existing lease was set to expire in 2037, but the new proposal plans to extend it until 2047. The council’s cabinet report emphasised that this extension allows both parties to enhance their partnership and enables Storyhouse to progress their strategic plans, such as seeking additional investments, especially as council funding has diminished.
The continuation and development of Storyhouse’s offerings are vital for ensuring the maximum benefit of its partnership with the council, aiding in future financial resilience and sustainability. As the report underscores, “The ability for Storyhouse to continue to deliver and engage in a sustainable and wide-reaching arts and cultural offer is dependent on its ability to adapt to changing needs, economic circumstances and changes in service use.”
The Storyhouse draws over 700,000 visitors annually, with almost 40% of these visitors originating from outside the local area, signifying its far-reaching appeal. The venue supports an average of 142 jobs each year and spent £2 million with local suppliers in the last year alone, highlighting its economic significance.
The report concludes that as a provider of arts and culture in the borough, regionally and nationally, Storyhouse requires security of tenure to continue expanding its offerings across age groups. This ensures the continuity of footfall and allows the exploration of growth opportunities through diverse arts and culture programmes.
The lease extension proposal for Chester Storyhouse is pivotal in securing its future as a vibrant cultural hub for the community.
