Council's bid to keep Broadway Theatre open is revealed

Peterborough City Council learer John Holdich

The future of the building remains uncertain with plans for a multi-million pound apartment development on the site being revealed last week.

That led to calls on social media for the theatre, up for sale for around £4million, to be saved and put to its intended use. Many of those commenting wanted to know why the council didn’t buy it and run the theatre.

Today city council leader John Holdich said he was saddened by the potential loss should the plan for the 56 apartments go ahead.

“As a local person it’s a sad day. I know the people of Peterborough would like to keep it open,” he said.

“We (the city council) had a survey done on the place and had it professionally valued by outsiders.

“We put in a bid but their bid (a bid from developers is on the table) is considerably more than that. We’re nowhere near - it’s not a question of £50, £500 or £5,000.

“But our offer is still on the table. I do no think it’s one he’s (the owner Rinaldo Fasulo) officially rejected.

“We put the bid in just before Christmas last year. It had been something we were looking at. We had offers from professional people to come and run it.

“I would want to make it used more often with all sorts of different shows like tribute shows and comedians, but it’s not a total loss to the city as we have the Key Theatre, Cresset and the Peterborough Arena is hosting more shows.”

The Broadway has been up for sale since 2009 since when it has not been used full time as a theatre, although in recent years it has seen two highly successful autumn/winter seasons of West End shows put on by Bill Kenwright Ltd and Peterborough Voices choir has staged regular sell-out concerts.

Rinaldo Fasulo could not be contacted.