Operator Wanted for New Ashford Arts Centre

Ashford Borough Council is converting the former Odeon cinema on Ashford High Street into a new cultural venue featuring a flexible theatre, gallery, and community space. The council is seeking an experienced operator or leaseholder to manage the venue once construction is complete. This is a preliminary market engagement exercise—not a formal tender—designed to understand operator interest and capacity before finalizing procurement requirements. The venue will operate on a lease or concession basis for approximately 15-25 years, beginning in July 2028. The council estimates operator turnover at approximately £6.1 million over a 15-year term and acknowledges that some level of public revenue support may be necessary for sustainable operation. This is an opportunity for cultural or commercial operators to express interest and help shape the final contract terms. The project is being designed by Haworth Tompkins with Stage 3 design currently underway. This engagement does not commit the council to launch a formal procurement process. Interested parties should visit the Kent Business Portal for further details and to register their interest.