The temporary building which is playing a major role in Derry’s City of Culture celebrations could become a permanent, it has emerged.
Social Development Minister Malcolm McCausland has confirmed officials were seeking private sector interest to retain the The Venue beyond the end of the City of Culture year.
Based at Ebrington Square, The Venue played host to some of the top attractions throughout the year, including One Big Weekend, Status Quo and Elvis Costello to name but a few.
The Ministers’s announcement has been welcomed by Foyle MP, Mark Durkan, who said The Venue had been a “huge asset” to Derry during its City of Culture year.
Mr Durkan added: “People have seen the real difference it has made and the range of events it has been able to accommodate and attract.”
The Foyle MP said The Venue was not just an “entertainment space” but a “great host” for a range of educational. cultural, commercial and conference events.
He added: “At a local level – in terms of public opinion – people want to see The Venue retained, and importantly something with this sort of capacity becoming a permanent fixture in the city.
“Public money has already been put into providing The Venue for this year. But it has gone into The Odyssey and the Titanic Centre with much bigger taxpayer contributions.”
Mr Durkan concluded: “There will be real questions around The Venue’s long-term viability. But the Minister is right to market test this, and to find out what other players are out there who would be interested in using or taking on The Venue. Options and decisions will depend on how numbers and prospective revenue stack up.”
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