Fiasco at the Halls
The Halls (St Andrews and Blackfriars, Grade 1 listed buildings) have been closed for nearly 2 years following refurbishment costing nearly £8m (including a £1m overspend). Their opening has been delayed due in part to the city council’s 'bumbling' of the procurement process to award a contract to manage The Halls on two occasions.
On both occasions the council awarded the contract to the Norwich Arts Centre and on both occasions, this was challenged by the Theatre Royal, who also bid for the contract, but threatened legal action over the council's handling of the process when it was awarded to the rival arts venue. The council has finally admitted they had not met the 'right standards' in their handling of the matter and have decided the management of The Halls will be done 'in house' instead.
Lib Dem city councillor for Eaton, Judith Lubbock, said:
Cllr Judith Lubbock, Eaton Ward
"It's very disappointing to see such incompetence from the Labour Administration at City Hall on the future of such an important historic and cultural venue in our fine city. Not only could they not get the procurement process right, they also incurred nearly £1m overspend and delay in the re-opening of The Halls. This fiasco has cost many arts and events organisers huge sums of money."