Entertainments giant to run famous concert venue in major deal
WOLVERHAMPTON’S famous Civic Hall has struck a long-term deal with one of the world’s top entertainment venue operators.
Wolverhampton Council agreed a 25-year deal with AEG Presents to run the North Street-based venue.
The first artists to perform at the newly refurbished venue are expected to be announced later this year.
The hall is set to reopen in autumn 2022, having been closed since 2015 for the revamp.
AEG Presents, the live entertainment division of AEG, will refurbish the house bars, kitchen, and sound and light systems.
Steve Homer, AEG Presents chief executive, said: “We are delighted to get this important milestone over the line. This is a long-term commitment and 25-year deal by AEG which is going to be a game changer for the future of the Civic Halls and the city.
“We are taking on a hugely important national venue and asset which has massive potential.
“We believe in it hugely and we believe in this city which is why we are investing and bringing the very best acts to this world-famous stage. Wolverhampton Council’s investment to safeguard the Civic Halls for future generations and bring the building back to life was key to our investment decisions.
“We now have a fantastic, relatively blank canvas to work on and will be setting about investing on the inside of the building to create a premium AEG customer experience. We can’t wait to get on with the job, get shows on sale and get open.”
AEG Presents own and operate more than 40 venues including Eventim Apollo London, indigo at The O2 and the recently announced new live music venue at Olympia London.
The works currently being undertaken by Willmott Dixon Interiors inside the halls will see the height above the stage to the rear of the Civic Hall increased to attract bigger shows.
There will be more comfortable seats, more bars and more space to socialise, expanded toilet facilities and enhanced wheelchair access.