Council seize control of venue following “unacceptable behaviour” of owner

A city council has moved to seize control of a collapsed entertainment complex from a Lancashire businessman.

Preston Council said it decided to act to take control of the city’s Guild Hall due to the “unacceptable behaviour” of tycoon Simon Rigby.

The entrepreneur, who owns a chain of betting shops,  bought the Guild Hall for just £1 back in 2014.

The venue opened in 1972 and has hosted star acts including David Bowie and Queen and was once the regular home of the UK Snooker Championships.

Mr Rigby set up the Guild Foundation, a registered charity formed to develop the arts and leisure in and around Preston, to run the Guildhall.

However, the venue had financial problems and went into administration last month.

The University of Central Lancashire was forced to move its graduation ceremony to a new venue.

Mr Rigby’s plan was to reopen the venue next month but the council and administrators have intervened.

He said: “Even though I lost £6m on the Guild Hall I am determined not to leave Preston without the booming Guild Hall it deserves.

“I have no interest in operating the Charter Theatre or Great Hall myself but the talented management that have worked so hard for many years deserve an opportunity to shape the future.”

The administrator appointed for Preston Guild Hall, Beverley Budsworth, has formally handed back control of the building to the council.

The decision to re-claim Preston Guild Hall was taken by Council Leader Matthew Brown with agreement from Preston Conservative Leader Sue Whittam and Chief Executive Adrian Phillips.

Mr Brown said: “Over recent weeks it has become abundantly clear that it was necessary for the City Council to intervene and re-gain control of the property.

“We are absolutely committed to finding the best possible solution for the future of the Guild Hall, and our ultimate hope is that it is back up and running as an entertainment venue as soon as possible.

“As I have said before, the decision to transfer the Guild Hall into Mr Rigby’s ownership was the only viable decision we could make at the time, with the information we had and the stark financial situation we were in.

“We acted in good faith and have been let down by the unacceptable behaviour of Mr Rigby.”

He added: “As we move forward, we are putting considerable effort into supporting the re-opening and successful future of Preston Guild Hall, but can only work within the current budget position of the Council.

“We continue to be ambitious for the role of the Guild Hall within the city and are confident for the extensive regeneration that is currently taking place across Preston.”

The move means all sub-leases of outlets within the Guild Hall null and void.

The City Council said it is committed to working with the current tenants to ensure a seamless transition and minimal disruption.

The Charter Theatre and Grand Hall will remain closed until further notice. Enquiries regarding the previously advertised programme and tickets need to be directed towards the administrator.

Special measures may be applied to any tenant or organisation linked to Simon Rigby.

In line with the administrator’s position, Preston City Council does not recognise any supposed lease linking Mr Rigby’s charity to Preston Guild Hall.