A deal to save the Beck Theatre in Hayes from closure now appears to be in tatters for a second time after a breakdown in the relationship between operator Trafalgar Theatres and Hillingdon Council.
In a statement released on Friday, October 11, the council blamed the operator for ‘u-turning’ on a deal to continue running the beloved venue for the next three-and-a-half years.
In a somewhat accusatory statement, the council said: “Last Friday, terms were discussed that seemed mutually agreeable that would ensure the continuation of the Beck’s operation for a further three-and-a-half years, whilst also discussing longer term investment aspirations for a new theatre in the future. However, late on Tuesday evening (October 8), Trafalgar changed their demands and the deal has subsequently fallen through.”
The council claimed that as well as the ‘rent-free use of the Beck which had already been agreed’, Trafalgar was now asking for a ‘considerable subsidy’. The statement added: “They were also seeking the ability to walk away from a three-year deal, with rolling break clauses, despite originally wanting more certainty of continued operation. Fundamentally, this would not have ensured any long-term stability for the running of the facility which is the council’s main priority.”
Trafalgar Theatres hit back saying its position has been ‘clear and consistent throughout’ and blaming the council for changing its mind. A spokesperson said: “We are disappointed, though sadly not surprised, by the latest public statement from Hillingdon Borough Council (LBH) regarding the Beck Theatre. Sadly, it reflects their approach throughout our negotiations.
“Over recent weeks we have made continued efforts to work with them to find an alternative solution. We maintained dialogue precisely because we wanted to explore every available option. On Friday LBH asked us to assess the level of financial support that would be required to prevent us finding ourselves in a loss-making position at The Beck next year. We presented that position to LBH and it was rejected. The alternative they put forward this week was not workable.
“We were clear with the Corporate Director of Place in May, June, July and August that the time it was taking the council to engage properly was putting huge strain on our ability to programme the theatre next year. Those messages were not acknowledged or adequately responded to. In turn, the council’s lassitude placed the option of zero-subsidy operation beyond January at risk.”
Trafalgar accused the council’s officers of ‘unprofessional and, frankly, appalling’ behaviour at a meeting between the two parties. The spokesperson added: “Not only did they fail to understand the seriousness of the situation, or to acknowledge the importance of continued cultural and community provision in Hillingdon – their attitude was one of contempt. This fact was acknowledged by council officers in subsequent meetings.
“Our position has been clear and consistent throughout. It is the council which changed its mind on an agreed reduced subsidy model earlier this year, failed to engage with us properly during the final critical period before we needed to make a decision on a zero-subsidy agreement, then sent us a letter offering a nine-month extension (which we were later told – by the person who signed it – should have offered 3 years).
“In any eventuality, our focus now is on understanding the council’s future plans, ensuring our team at The Beck are protected and effecting a smooth handover to a new operator, given the council’s repeated commitment that they will not let the theatre close.”
Second protest
On Thursday (October 10) protestors campaigning to keep the Beck Theatre open marched onto council grounds demanding councillors come outside, during a meeting of the authority’s cabinet. Many attending said there has been ‘radio silence’ from the council.
Protestors began gathering at 5.30pm outside Hillingdon Civic Centre in Uxbridge. The diverse group of campaigners included members of the community choir, the theatres youth group, regular theatregoers and MP for Hayes and Harlington John McDonnell.
The former Shadow Chancellor told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “[When I heard the news] I didn’t believe it at first. I was really shocked, I just couldn’t understand the logic. Something I have seen with Hillingdon Council is the asset stripping of the south of the borough… a pattern of closure and sale.”
He added: “I think we will defeat them on this one. Hayes has a history of not taking this kind of stuff lying down.”
Anne Warner, a member of the community choir hosted at the Beck, is particularly worried about the impact closure of the theatre would have on vulnerable people. She told the LDRS: “It helps a lot of people. Especially the community choir. It helps many people living with dementia, so it’s really important for them. It would help if the council would actually speak to us.”
Hillingdon Cabinet were meeting as the protest was ongoing. As people began to realise it was 7pm, and cabinet was in session, chants of ‘shame’ and ‘liars’ began. It is understood that the demonstration was heard by councillors.
The protestors then marched onto council grounds chanting ‘back the Beck’. One protestor then shouted: “Don’t be chickens, come and talk to us! We want to talk to you! Why don’t you want to come and talk to us?”
Hillingdon Council maintain that they want to keep the theatre open.
Philip is a Local Democracy Reporter covering Ealing, Hillingdon and Hounslow, with a focus on council decisions, housing, planning, licensing and community stories across west London.
