Wirral Council allows more time to find a new owner for Pacific Road Arts Centre

Apr 4 2012 by Lorna Hughes, Wallasey News

WIRRAL Council has agreed to allow more time to find a new owner for Pacific Road Arts Centre after it emerged there had been no successful bids to take over the building.

The Birkenhead theatre, along with the adjoining transport museum and tramway, was put up for sale in 2010. After a proposed deal with Merseytravel fell through the buildings were marketed again last September. But cabinet members were told last week that the council had received no “compliant” bids – although three organisations have expressed an interest in operating Pacific Road alone.

Council officers denied accusations they were stripping Pacific Road of assets, saying equipment had been moved to the Floral Pavilion Theatre in New Brighton to support performances there.

Council leader Jeff Green said: “I don’t think any of us want to lose Pacific Road as a venue if we can possibly avoid it. It would be hard to recreate.”