Exclusive: Cardiff Council has given “no indication” of future funding for community and classical events at St David’s Hall

St David’s Hall. Pic: Elliott Brown

St David’s Hall have written to subscribers to their mailing list with more information about plans to privatise the venue. Their message contains the following statements:

• The council has not given any indication of how the future provision of classical music/community events will be secured in Cardiff nor identified a budget for this but say they will consult with stakeholders.

• Staff at the Hall are calling on the Council to slow down the process, be transparent about what is going on and allow time for genuine consultation.

The full text of the message, sent on Friday 2 December reads:

In light of your ongoing support and commitment to St David’s Hall we wanted to ensure you are aware of current developments with Cardiff Council and their plans for St David’s Hall.

Cardiff Council has announced in the press that they are taking to Cabinet on 15 December 2022 a proposal to hand St David’s Hall, The National Concert Hall of Wales over to Live Nation / AMG  to become the newest O2 Academy pop music venue.

Although the change to an Academy-style venue will require the confirmed removal of all stalls seating (which will be replaced by removeable and reinstall able seating) to increase the capacity in the auditorium to 2500, Cardiff Council states there will still be some provision for Classical Music and community events

The council has not given any indication of how the future provision of classical music/community events will be secured in Cardiff nor identified a budget for this but say they will consult with stakeholders.

The main concern being voiced is the speed at which this momentous decision is taking place and the lack of consultation or information about the new arrangements

Staff at the Hall understand the significant pressures Cardiff Council is under, but are calling on the Council to slow down the process, be transparent about what is going on and allow time for genuine consultation.

It is understood that there will be an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council on Friday 9 December at 4.30pm at City Hall Cardiff as called by the Shadow member for Culture, Parks and Events to try to debate the issue before it goes to Cabinet for a decision on 15 December 2022.

We will do our best to keep you informed as the situation developes.

Very many thanks for your continued support.

 St David's Hall