Playhouse theatre agreement signed.
07-APR-09 Issued by: Jeanette Hedley.
An international delegation from SMG has visited North Tyneside this week to formally sign an agreement for the future management of The Playhouse, Whitley Bay.
Wes Westley, President and Chief Executive Officer of SMG - a world leader in the management of top class entertainment venues - flew in from the US. He is recognised as delivering a sevenfold increase in the number of facilities managed by the company internationally during his time with the company.
He was joined by John Sutherland, Managing Director of SMG Europe, the European division that already oversees the management of the 11,000 seater Metro Radio Arena, The Journal Tyne Theatre, and the MEN Arena in Manchester - the busiest concert venue in Europe.
Together they were in the borough to formally sign a Memorandum of Understanding with North Tyneside Council.
This is a legal agreement between the partners committing them to proceeding to an operating agreement, due to be in place by the Summer.
During their visit they also joined North Tyneside's Elected Mayor, John Harrison on a visit to the theatre, which is currently in the final phase of an £8m refurbishment programme.
John Sutherland, Managing Director of SMG Europe said: "We are very pleased to have what will be a very impressive, high quality venue as part of our portfolio and look forward to a successful partnership with the council and local community to ensure its an important venue in the regeneration of the area."
North Tyneside Council's Cabinet confirmed last month that it would like to proceed to an operating agreement with SMG Europe Limited
And meetings with local community arts groups have begun to ensure they are informed about the new facilities available and the opportunities for community use.
Elected Mayor, John Harrison said: "I am delighted that SMG Europe, a major player in the entertainments world, is committed to working with us to ensure The Playhouse, Whitley Bay can be restored to a cultural hub for high quality entertainment, as well as supporting the local arts community. This will not only benefit residents from North Tyneside but also encourage visitors from the wider region which will benefit businesses in the area.
"The visit by Wes Westley and John Sutherland to the borough is a clear sign of the importance they are giving to this new venue, which given the quality of their existing venues is a massive vote of confidence by this global company.
"It was a great opportunity for us to visit the Playhouse and the final stages of the refurbishment work and to talk about the exciting plans for its future. "
SMG Europe owns and manages Newcastle's 11,000-seater Metro Radio Arena and manages The Journal Tyne Theatre as well as some of the best-located venues across Europe, including the MEN Arena in Manchester, the busiest concert venue in the Europe and the Konig-Pilsner Arena in Oberhausen, Germany.
The Playhouse has been closed since August 2007 and an £8m refurbishment and improvement programme began in April 2008.
This includes the construction of a new high quality state of the art glass entrance; new and improved front of house facilities including box office, sales and two bar areas; a new raked auditorium with improved seating area, and improved backstage facilities which include two new chorus rooms.
There will also include fully accessible changing facilities for disabled performers and improved disabled access to the auditorium for customers.
The construction programme will be completed in May and will reopen in Autumn 2009 following a period of familiarisation by the new operator.
The revamp of the Whitley Bay Playhouse Theatre is a key part in the £64 million regeneration scheme for Whitley Bay.
The first phase of external and structural work to the Dome is near completion and the potential hotel site has recently been marketed. The skate park opened in the summer has recently been short listed for a national award by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.
The Whitley Bay Leisure Pool - now renamed Waves - is now open following a revamp to include: a free form leisure pool and learner pool with the retention of the wave machine, three bigger slides leading into a splash pool, aquatic play area; new ground floor soft play area with café; state of the art gym; dance studio, spar area and new changing village.