FERNEHAM HALL will close in January 2020 after the annual panto season at the start of its multi-million revamp.
It attracted wide interest when the Council advertised for contractors.
Councillor Tom Davies, a member of the hall working group, said:“As this is such a large project, the procurement has been done in several phases to ensure we pick the right contractor at the right price.
“Not only do we want a fantastic facility, but we need to ensure value for money. There’s a great deal of interest in this project and we want to make sure it’s amazing.”
Tender deadline was the end of July and a contractor will be appointed on September 26 at a special Council meeting.
Architects with extensive experience in re- modelling entertainment venues are working on the project, keeping in touch with poten- tial contractors to ensure the timetable for completion and the budget can be met.
It’s anticipated the plans and budget will
be agreed by early autumn with planning permission sought shortly after. The changes include:
•Main auditorium to have 800 seats rather than the 400-500 originally proposed
•A flexible studio for a range of activities instead of a studio solely dedicated to dance
•The remodelled venue will also act as a community centre

- See updated post 28th September 2019