Orchestra signs contract for Colosseum (From Watford Observer)

Orchestra signs contract for Colosseum

4:54pm Thursday 26th May 2005 in News By Matt Hemley

THE fate of The Colosseum was officially sealed with the signing of a contract between Watford Borough Council and the BBC Concert Orchestra this week.

The two year contract means the orchestra will use the venue for 90 days per year.

Dorothy Thornhill, Mayor of Watford, has hailed the move as a 'win-win' situation because it suits both the council's and the BBC Concert Orchestra's short-term goals.

She said: "This is a terrific deal for the Council and it gives us some breathing space to find out what the best future is for the Colosseum.

"They needed a home for rehearsals and recording and we needed the revenue to keep the place open, so it really is win-win for both of us.

"Without the BBC's interest there was a very real chance The Colosseum could have closed, and no one likes a venue like this to go dark for too long."

The agreement means the council has time to work up business plans for all the potential options outlined in the report made in November 2004 by ACT Consultant Services. A definite timetable for action will also be drawn up.

During the two-year contract, the venue will remain open as a venue for hire, particularly from community groups such as the Watford Philharmonic Society, who have used the venue for years, and wedding receptions.

The Watford Philharmonic Society said they had made provisional bookings in the venue, and said they will stage a comeback performance in November, with a concert version of Aida.

To hire the Colosseum, email: andy.pickard@watford.gov.uk. or telephone Andy or Pat on 01923 278954.