The Chester Storyhouse, a pivotal cultural venue, is set to have its lease extended by a decade.
- Cheshire West and Chester’s council leaders anticipate the approval of the lease extension.
- The Storyhouse complex, valued at £37 million, is integral to community engagement and cultural offerings.
- A report highlights the venue’s role in financial resilience, requiring security of tenure.
- Storyhouse welcomes over 700,000 visitors annually, significantly boosting the local economy.
Cheshire West and Chester’s council leaders are preparing to endorse a proposal that extends the lease of Chester’s Storyhouse cultural centre by ten years. The council’s cabinet is poised to approve this crucial step, reinforcing the partnership and strategic alignment between the council and the venue towards prolonged cultural enrichment.
Established in 2017, the Storyhouse is nestled within the elegantly restored Art Deco Grade II-listed former Odeon Cinema. Its facilities encompass an 800-seat auditorium, a 150-seat studio theatre, a restaurant, two bars, and a 100-seat independent cinema. This £37 million cultural hub has become a cornerstone for over 130 community groups and hosts renowned events such as the Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre and Moonlight Flicks.
The current lease, set to expire in 2037, will, under the proposed extension, remain in place until 2047. This extension is not merely administrative but strategic, allowing Storyhouse to further develop its plans and secure additional external investments amidst reduced council funding.
According to a cabinet report, this move will maximise the reciprocal benefits between the council and Storyhouse, aiding the venue’s future financial health and sustainability. The ability to continue delivering a broad spectrum of artistic and cultural programming hinges on adapting to varying economic and societal conditions.
Storyhouse’s influence extends beyond local borders, drawing a substantial 40% of its 700,000 annual visitors from outside the vicinity, thereby contributing to the regional economy. This influx supports an average of 142 jobs yearly, with £2 million allocated to local suppliers last year. The report emphasises the necessity for secured tenure to leverage growth opportunities via diverse funding channels and vibrant cultural innovations.
The lease extension will fortify Storyhouse’s role as a cultural linchpin, supporting economic and community vitality.
