Lighthouse Theatre Saved From Closure

The Lighthouse Theatre in Kettering has been saved from closure at the eleventh hour.

The venue will be taken on by the company which owns the Kettering Leisure Village complex, where it is based.

The theatre, used by drama and dance groups from the Harborough area, as well as being popular with local audiences, was due to close next Monday, with the Market Harborough-based Core Dance Company’s annual show this weekend to be the final performance.

The deal announced today also secures the future of a sports centre and gym on the site, but not the Kettering Conference Centre, which will close.

Kettering Conference Centre

Current operator Compass have agreed to extend their tenancy for two months until September, when owners Phoenix Leisure Management will take over the day-to-day running.

The closure of the KLV facilities had been announced in April, with the original date of May 31 extended to July 3 after a public outcry.

A spokesperson for Kettering Conference Centre said: “We are pleased to confirm that following ongoing discussions with North Northamptonshire Council and Phoenix Leisure Management, a decision in principle has been made subject to the various approvals required, that the Lighthouse Theatre, Arena Sports Centre and Balance Health Club will now remain open.

“The council has confirmed it will continue to support the Theatre and the Arena with a grant that goes towards operating costs and facilitate its use as a community site.

“As we have previously communicated, we have been running Kettering Conference Centre at a loss for a number of years. The sharp increase in energy and operating costs have made this unsustainable, therefore the conference centre part of the site will not reopen and will close on 3 July as planned.”

Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that all parties have been able to agree a way forward which sees the elements of the complex that play such a vital role in the local community stay open at no additional cost to the taxpayer.

Throughout this process the council has been pivotal as an enabler and broker so that a deal can be driven forward. We have also shown some pragmatic flexibility so that we can facilitate an outcome which is beneficial to the residents of Kettering and the wider area.”