City council brings in experts to boost business at Guildhall (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Why do the City Council need to bring in "experts" for advice on how to boost revenues for The Guildhall? Surely this is more money the Council do not have being spent on something totally not needed. It's not rocket science - get some bands in, sell tickets, organise nights with music so we can dance and have fun! There is nothing in Winchester that fits the needs of the "young" adult and when I say young I mean people in their 20's, 30's, 40's even 50's. Where can you go for a night of dancing with your friends? The Porthouse? Fine if you want to be surrounded by barely legal girls and boys or O'Neills which has a dance floor the size of my lounge floor! I want to be able to see bands/comedians in my own City without having to travel to Southampton or Portsmouth, both of which have Guildhalls offering some great acts to listen/dance to. When my Mum was a youngster (still is at heart) they used to have "Raves" at The Guildhall Winchester. These Raves weren't what we have all come to know as illegal parties where everyone is off their head on some form of illegal substance, but nights where you would have a live band or two followed by a fairly well known DJ (often from Radio 1) and drinks for sale - this was in the late 60's and 70's, why can Winchester never move forward? The Guildhall is a great location with great facilities, why are they not being used to their fullest? The City Council do not need to pay someone else to come in and assess the situation just get out there and speak to the people of Winchester and ask them what THEY want!

@JoLovegrove I thought that was going to be the usual idiotic rant I see on this forum, but I read it through and you make some excellent points.

You should consider charging the council a marketing consultant's daily rate for that advise. You'll find it quite a satisfactory sum.

If the Guildhall is 'underperforming' then may I suggest it be converted into budget priced flats for low paid city workers?

This would save any argument over whether new developments are cost effective, and make effective use of an existing asset.

Thank you Lib Lob...I may send them my advise followed by an invoice! Seriously though I'm a 32yr old married Mum of two who rarely goes out but when I do I feel I have nowhere that fits mine or my friends needs when we are able to socialise. I went to an Abba Tribute night at the Guildhall many moons ago which was packed out - more of that type of thing would help them find some more funds I'm sure!

Quite agree with JoLovegrove and it is despairing that yet more vital public money is being wasted on yet more pointless external 'consultants'.

Regarding a previous post - I have to say that Lib Lob sounds a pompous undemocratic snob - the majority of comments on the Forum and intelligent and reasonable not idiotic rants. One category of idiot is the undemocratic, intolerant and arrogant poster who decrys anybody else having a say or point of view.

Everyone should be allowed their point of view! :o)