The Council will open the formal process to secure a new leasehold tenant for the Muni Arts Centre from Monday (January 14).
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The 14-day ‘window of opportunity’ will allow interested parties to formally submit their expression of interest to deliver a sustainable future for the Muni Arts Centre as an artistic entertainment venue.
The commencement of this process is another important step to ensure the Muni re-opens its doors. The Council will aim to work with a preferred tenant by March 2019, with a view to completing a leasehold transfer by May 2019 (which may be subject to change depending on the proposals received).
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Speaking on this further important development, County Borough Councillor Rhys Lewis, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Well-being and Culture, said:
“From Monday, the Council will provide a 14-day ‘window of opportunity’ for any commercial or community groups, and social enterprises, wishing to submit an initial expression of interest in the potential leasehold transfer of this building.
“This is another positive step forward in the process to re-open the Muni Arts Centre’s doors to the public.
“A key part of this process will be the need to evidence a commitment to work with community partners, alongside the development of a viable business plan supported by strong governance arrangements.
“Through this process, the Council is looking for innovative, creative and sustainable proposals from either commercial or community-based organisations to re-develop this key music and entertainment venue, based in the heart of the Town Centre.
“Pontypridd is already benefitting from significant investment including the redevelopment of the Taff Vale site and the YMCA; the ongoing development and restoration of Ynysangharad War Memorial Park; and the newly established ADDO Creative’s co-working space.
“The Council’s desire is that the Muni Arts Centre compliments existing and planned cultural provision within the town.”
Interested parties will be required to enter an agreement for a minimum 10-year leasehold transfer of the building.
The final date for submission of completed expressions of interest will be Wednesday, January 30, 2019 – by 5pm.
Selected organisations will then be notified, and they will have a further six weeks to provide a fully-costed Business Plan, which will need to evidence that their proposals meet the needs of the Council and community, and are both viable and sustainable.
Further details on the process will be formally published on Monday (January 14) on the Council’s website.
