Company behind concerts by stars due to run £14m hall

AN INTERNATIONAL company which has put on shows featuring stars such as Madonna is to take over Scunthorpe’s famous Baths, creating some 70 jobs.

North Lincolnshire Council has provisionally chosen internationally renowned SMG Europe Holdings Ltd to operate the 14m Baths Hall entertainment venue and Plowright Theatre.

The company’s track record includes presenting internationally acclaimed artists including Madonna, the Vienna Philharmonic, Peter Kay and Kasabian.

Bosses have said they aim to bring to the Baths Hall and Plowright Theatre top artists including Jamie Cullum, Jack Jones, The Saturdays, Kate Nash, The Streets and Dizzee Rascal.

Last year, SMG achieved gross ticket sales of more than 100m. Their portfolio includes the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, arenas, theatres, amphitheatre, and educational science centres. Two companies were in the final running – SMG and HQ Theatres Ltd. The council will retain existing employees at the Plowright Theatre under their current terms and conditions. The only difference is they will work for SMG and not the council.

Council bosses said there are many advantages of SMG operating the two venues, including reduced costs from joint box office arrangements.

The Baths Hall is due for completion in autumn 2011. It will include an auditorium and multi-use area at the ground floor with flexible partitioning, to cater for 1,300 seated and 2,000 standing audiences.

Council leader Mark Kirk said: “The council was very impressed with both bids and I’m delighted that we have now chosen an operator to run the Baths Hall and Plowright Theatre – creating jobs for local people.

“SMG Europe Holdings Ltd come with an impressive background in the entertainment business and I’m confident they will deliver what people want.

“The Baths Hall will give visitors a modern, multi-use venue that will host top live performances and entertainment, conferencing and wider community use.”

The Kinks, The Who, the Hollies and Animals were among the famous names who appeared at the Baths in its heyday.

The hall featured in Barton author Ted Lewis’s gangster novel, Jack’s Return Home, which has been filmed twice as Get Carter.