University seek informal expressions of interest from potential partners to take over William Aston Hall venue

A new organisation is being sought to take over the operational management and promotion of the William Aston Hall.

It comes after company and promotor VMS Live (Wrexham) Ltd, which had managed the venue since 2018, was “forced to move into liquidation.”

This led to the many of the upcoming events being either cancelled or relocated to an alternative location.

Now Wrexham Glyndwr University,  landlord for the William Aston Hall, are “seeking informal expressions of interest” from a tenant/partner to take over the operational management and promotion of the venue.

In a speculative notice the university says it is “seeking to negotiate an initial five year commitment with a suitable and experienced partner who can provide specialist services in event sourcing, promotion and venue management.”

Prior to the pandemic the William Aston Hall played host to around 50 events throughout the year, attracting big names in the comedy and music industry as well as pantomimes, musicals and talks with famous faces.

It is estimated that around 17,500 people a year visited the venue – which seats 890 at full capacity or 1,200 standing.

However like many theatres across the country the William Aston Hall had been closed since March 2020 when the pandemic caused the abrupt end to all live events and entertainment.

The notice continues onto say: “The partner will bring artistic vision and innovation to sustain and develop the William Aston Hall as a professional and community events venue for North East Wales.

“The partner should have the ability to call on a bank of contacts and networks from across the Industry in order to enhance and expand the events programme within the venue.

The partner will work with the University to deliver a new and more modern programme that will help with the recruitment of students into the University and be an integral part of their social experience on campus.

“The partner will work with the University on ensuring that the branding of the venue and the programme of events supports the University’s values and reputation.

“The partner will work with the University to provide work placement opportunities for students and for them to benefit from the partners Industry knowledge.

“The partner will work with the University to agree an operating model that is operationally robust and financially sustainable.”