Cheshire West and Chester Council likely to approve a 10-year lease extension for the Storyhouse venue, ensuring cultural continuity.
- The extension supports Storyhouse’s strategic growth plans in response to reduced council funding, seeking to secure external investments.
- Expected lease until 2047 aims to maintain the positive partnership between the council and Storyhouse for sustained financial stability.
- Storyhouse, a key cultural hub established in a historic cinema, draws significant community engagement and generates substantial local economic impact.
- The venue’s ability to adapt to changing needs and maintain wide-ranging cultural offerings is crucial to its ongoing success.
Council leaders in Cheshire West and Chester are poised to approve a significant 10-year extension to the lease of the well-regarded Storyhouse venue. This decision, expected to be confirmed at the upcoming council cabinet meeting, underlines the importance placed on the cultural continuity offered by Storyhouse to the community.
The extension is part of a strategic plan that will allow Storyhouse to advance its growth initiatives. It seeks to counterbalance reduced council funding by securing additional external investments, ensuring the venue’s sustainability and operational resilience over the coming years.
The proposed lease, extending until 2047, underscores a commitment to nurturing the beneficial partnership between the council and Storyhouse. This extension is expected to fortify the venue’s financial stability while continuing to enhance its cultural contributions and community engagement.
Since its inception in 2017, Storyhouse has flourished within the restored Grade II-listed former Odeon Cinema, featuring a range of facilities including an 800-seat auditorium. It attracts over 700,000 visitors each year, with nearly 40% coming from outside the local area, thereby contributing significantly to the local economy.
To maintain its pivotal role as a cultural provider, Storyhouse must demonstrate adaptability to evolving needs and economic scenarios. The ongoing viability of its diverse arts and cultural programmes is critical to sustaining visitor numbers and exploring new growth avenues. This secure tenure is integral to planning and implementing vibrant, inclusive cultural offerings.
The anticipated lease extension will solidify Storyhouse’s role in delivering enduring cultural and economic benefits to the Chester region.
