A leading councillor has explained the reasons for a U-turn on the future of the Platform arts venue during a live interview on Beyond Radio.
Councillor Catherine Potter, cabinet member for the visitor economy on Lancaster City Council, appeared on our weekly local news show 'Beyond the Headlines' on Friday.
Councillor Potter answered listeners' questions about the decision to keep the Platform open as an entertainment venue under city council management.
"We very strongly believe that we can make the Platform cost-neutral and we felt it was right to give the staff the opportunity to make that happen," she said.
"A lot of people were worried that the Platform was going to close its doors but I'm assured that was really never intended to be the case, (we) were always looking for a third-party operator, but now we've found a way to keep it in-house."
Councillor Potter was joined by her Labour colleague, County Councillor Lizzi Collinge, who is also the Parliamentary candidate in Morecambe and Lunesdale in the next general election, for the live interview in the Beyond Radio studio.
LISTEN to our interview with Councillor Potter and County Councillor Collinge (pictured below)
On Thursday, the city council announced the Platform will remain under their control.
They had originally planned to pull out of running the concert venue at the end of March 2024, putting its future at risk.
The Platform staff will now resume taking bookings for beyond that date, and the council will develop a new operating model to reduce running costs, which will include a new membership scheme and 'Friends of the Platform' group.
Talks had been taking place with three un-named local 'third-party operators' who were interested in taking on the Marine Road Central venue.
The council originally wanted to withdraw from running the Platform as part of £2.4m worth of budget cuts - because it has been costing them £150,000 a year to operate.
Worries over a possible closure led to a public outcry and thousands of people signing petitions calling for the popular venue - located inside Morecambe's former railway station - to stay open.
"Like many organisations locally and nationally, the Platform was very badly affected by Covid," said Councillor Potter.
"Prior to Covid, that figure was more like £50,000. We are already making massive in-roads on that subsidy because more people are coming to events. The last few weekends have been completely sold out so (covering the shortfall) is not as hard as maybe it sounds."
Read more: Morecambe’s Platform venue saved from closure after council u-turn - Beyond Radio
BIG FIGHT COUNTDOWN: Tyson Fury's father John headbutts Usyk supporter ahead of undisputed heavyweight title fight
Decision to refuse Galgate housing scheme planning permission upheld following public inquiry
INTERVIEWS and PHOTOS: The story of Highest Point festival 2024
INTERVIEW: Lancaster prison officer backed by Tyson Fury wins sport contest ahead of Miss England bid
VIDEO and INTERVIEW: Lancaster schoolboy, 10, makes drum 'n' bass DJ debut at Lancaster festival
Highest Point 'Lancaster Rocks' night cancelled due to thunderstorms warning
Quad bike rider dies after road crash in Morecambe
Morecambe guesthouse couple to star on reality TV show 'Four in a Bed'
PHOTOS: Northern Lights dazzle on Highest Point festival day one
Mother and son unveiled as new Lancaster mayoral team
New police and crime commissioner for Lancashire begins role
Morecambe homeless man jailed after admitting criminal damage
Firefighters tackle fire at flat in Morecambe
Lancaster youth charity awarded £221,400 towards vision for 'creative youth space' in city
Tennis club near Lancaster unveils new courts after £50,000 fundraising campaign
INTERVIEW: Highest Point chief 'proud' of lineup for 2024 festival
Highest Point festival stage times: all you need to know
Highest Point team 'excited' for sunny weekend as prep continues ahead of Lancaster festival
New Friends group officially formed to support popular Morecambe music venue
"Overwhelming support" as award-winning Lancaster bakery announces shock closure
