Rochford District Council has identified its two preferred partners to help run The Mill Arts and Events Centre (The Mill Hall).
When the Council reopened The Mill last year, it launched a community engagement programme seeking local operating partners. This was part of its commitment to ensuring the local community were at the heart of running the centre.
The programme attracted excellent candidates, and the Council is currently in discussion with two locally based organisations, MegaCentre Rayleigh and The Design Cabin Community C.I.C, about how they would provide the best possible service to local residents.
Cllr Simon Wootton, Leader, Rochford District Council, said:
“When we reopened the Mill Hall, we were determined to involve the community in running the centre and ensuring it meets the needs of our residents. This has been a challenging process, but we now have two excellent preferred partners. Discussions continue on how together we can deliver a great community offering as well as events and activities.”
The Council will continue to operate the centre, while a detailed business case for the governance model is produced, which will then be presented to Full Council for approval.
The Design Cabin is a locally based community interest company (C.I.C) which has five years’ experience of building collaborative workspaces. They support and encourage young people’s development, aid in the creation of new businesses and develop creative skills across the community.
The Megacentre is a Rayleigh based charity which has been working for the benefit of the community since 1992, with creative facilities and spaces for families, young people, refugees and the wider community.
Cllr Ian Ward, Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning & Assets, said:
“I am pleased that we have reached this point. Securing the best possible operating partners is key to ensuring the long-term future of The Mill Hall, and creating a state-of-the-art centre than will encompass what local people have been asking for.”