Long-term management agreed for the Playhouse

The future of the Sevenoaks Playhouse is secure after the Council agreed to award a long-term lease to run the facility to Kino Holdings Ltd.

Kino Holdings Ltd, the company that have run the Playhouse on an interim basis since October 2006, will be offered a 25 year lease to operate the facility by its owners, Sevenoaks District Council.

As part of these exciting new arrangements, Kino has said that it plans to rename the complex ‘The Stag’, with the cinema known as ‘Kino at the Stag’.

Cllr Felicity Broomby, Sevenoaks District Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for the arts, says: "We have agreed to accept Kino’s innovative proposal which we believe will take forward this important local arts facility. Our decision will be a relief to many as for some time the Playhouse faced an uncertain future. However, with a long-term agreement in place the facility has a bright future, especially if it gets the full support of our local community. Kino has already demonstrated its commitment to the Playhouse by investing in cutting edge digital technology and new facilities during the interim management period."

Paul Corcoran from Kino Holdings Ltd, adds: "We are very excited to be given the opportunity to build on the work done during the interim period, and to be able to plan for the longer term, both for the cinemas and the theatres, and to build a relationship with the local community, in Sevenoaks and the larger District. The possibilities offered by the new cinema technologies for involvement by local film students and professionals, for genuine community involvement, will make the Stag a model for such arts centres throughout the country. We would like to pay tribute to the vision and efforts of Sevenoaks District Council, who have worked tirelessly to give this facility a long term future."

The 25 year lease agreement will be closely monitored by the Council and includes a break clause at two years subject to satisfactory performance evaluated against agreed milestones. The length of the lease will allow Kino to provide significant financial investment in both the building and arts in the community.

Kino has innovative plans to extend the use of digital technology in the cinema, together with an ambitious programme for community arts and outreach.

During September, Sevenoaks District Council carried out a large-scale public consultation into the future of the Playhouse. Those that took part said that a cinema/theatre complex is vital for the town, that there should be more involvement with local community groups, schools and provision for young people, including courses and training opportunities and there should be a mix of amateur and professional programming.

When asked about the name the overwhelming majority of those who took part said the complex should be known by its previous, and popular name, of the Stag.

The Council began a tender process to appoint long-term management for the Playhouse in November 2006.

For further information please contact: Daniel Whitmarsh on 01732 227414 or e-mail daniel.whitmarsh@sevenoaks.gov.uk

Ends

Press release issued: March 13 2007