Electric Theatre FAQs
What is happening with The Electric Theatre?
The Council is reviewing the future of The Electric Theatre. We've completed an independent assessment on how the venue could be used going forward.
The next stage is to test possible options with organisations that could run the theatre, followed by a procurement process for a new operator.
What did the independent appraisal find?
The appraisal found that:
- The building is fundamentally sound, but needs some repairs and upgrades.
- There is no single best solution for its future.
- A hybrid operating model combining cultural, community use and commercial activity could be the most effective option.
- Some ongoing financial support is likely to be required.
What is a 'hybrid operating model'?
A hybrid model would combine:
- Community and cultural activities, such as performances, cultural activities, including use by local groups
- Commercial income that could include hiring out spaces, events, and hospitality
This approach aims to strike the right balance of spending public money wisely and providing ongoing financial stability.
Will the theatre remain a cultural arts venue?
There is strong community support for keep this much-loved theatre as a cultural arts venue. This is also the preferred option supported by the Council.
However, we must also make sure any future operating model for The Electric Theatre is financially sustainable. This means alternative commercial uses need to be explored.
What happens next if the Executive approve the report's recommendations on 25 June?
The Council will:
- Run an Expression of Interest exercise to explore:
- Different ways the venue could be run, including cultural or mixed-use options that provide community use
- Other possible commercial or alternative uses of the building.
This will help us know who is interested in running or using the venue and what plans they have.
Conduct further research and due diligence work to see how the venue could be run, who we could work with, and which options are financially workable.
We will follow this with a compliant procurement exercise to seek a new operator for The Electric Theatre.
Once this work is complete another report will go back to the Executive with recommendations
Has any funding been allocated for repairs?
Yes. Around £275,000 has been allocated to pay for essential repairs and any improvements needed to bring the building up to standard. The work carried out will depend on the way we decide to run the building.
What condition is the building in?
Condition surveys show that:
- the structure is sound
- some maintenance and upgrades are required
- technical systems and customer areas need investment to meet modern standards and compliance
Why are commercial options being considered?
The Council has a 'Best Value' duty, meaning it must ensure we deliver value for money.
Testing commercial options helps confirm:
- whether a cultural use is workable
- whether alternative uses might be more sustainable
Will the Council subsidise the theatre?
Most of the potential hybrid models (combined commercial and community use options) proposed are expected to need some level of subsidy.
However, a key decision will be how to balance financial support with other community and cultural benefits.
When will a final decision be made?
We hope a decision about the way forward can be made later this year. The Executive will receive a report once market testing and further analysis is completed.
The West Surrey Shadow Authority may potentially need to approve any decision made by the Executive.
What are the possible outcomes of this process?
Potential outcomes include:
- A cultural and community venue
- A commercially operated venue
- An alternative or mixed-use solution
Keeping the theatre closed is not recommended as it costs us money to keep an empty building.