Carlisle business Greystone Leisure Ltd is set to take over the management of the city’s Old Fire Station venue.
Will and Maxine Morgan successfully won the tender to lease the arts and entertainment venue after the owners, Carlisle City Council, advertised the commercial letting opportunity earlier this year.
Carlisle City Council said it wanted to develop the venue and strengthen its role as a sustainable focus for the city’s cultural life.
It sought an operator to lease and wholly manage the arts and entertainment centre, including the bar and catering facilities.
The decision to award the lease has been agreed and arrangements will be made to hand over the management of the Peter Street site.
Detailed negotiations will now get underway with the new management company with the aim of handing over the management responsibilities next month.
Councillor Stephen Higgs, portfolio holder for culture, heritage and leisure said: “The competitive tender provided an exciting opportunity to develop the Old Fire Station and make it more sustainable.
“We want it to be a recognisably distinctive venue and to maintain its role as a focus for Carlisle’s cultural life.
“We’re delighted that a Carlisle business will take on its management and we look forward to working with Will and Maxine.
“This is an exciting step forward for the venue.”
Will and Maxine Morgan added: “We are both thrilled to be taking over such an iconic venue and business in our hometown of Carlisle.
“Our mission for the Old Fire Station is to be a hub and driving force for entertainment, culture, and creativity in this great city.
“While making the venue totally inclusive with offerings to suit everyone.”
More information will follow once lease arrangements have been agreed with the new management company. However, events scheduled to take place in the autumn will go ahead.
