Entertainment venue loses £800,000 in three years

Figures show that Bridlington Spa, which reopened to the public in May 2008 after a £19.5m revamp, needed a taxpayer-funded subsidy of £416,087 in the first full financial year after reopening.

That fell to £214,751 last year. Up to the end of February, this financial year, it made a loss of £204,940, despite sell-out concerts by performers including Jessie J, John Barrowman and Jason Manford.

East Riding Council says it wants the venue – which hosts the Yorkshire International Business Convention and the British Open Darts Championships – to eventually be self-financing.

The Spa was among the most visited cultural venues in the East Riding last year with more than 300,000 visitors, boosting the local economy by an estimated £12m.

Nigel Leighton, director of environment and neighbourhood services, said: “Since The Spa Bridlington’s refurbishment, the country has faced the worst economic downturn in nearly a century. Despite this the subsidy provided to the venue by the council has decreased year-on-year, in line with the authority’s eventual aim for it to be self-sustaining.

“The refurbishment has allowed the council to expand its programme of events and also diversify into other markets, such as conferences, an area where the venue is still developing and making a name for itself.

“As well as the refurbishment, which was majority funded by external sources, the venue has appointed a new management team, who are working closely in partnership with local businesses, hoteliers and the wider community.”

He added: “The Spa Bridlington is now very much on the national circuit and is one of the first names now being included by a whole range of acts touring the UK and has resulted in a number of high-profile names, such as Sarah Millican, Alexandra Burke, Jessie J, Fat Boy Slim and Omid Djalili, and events, such as the Yorkshire International Business Convention and Scooter Rally, being booked.

“The Spa’s management have streamlined the venue’s business approach and will continue to build business through promotion and by expanding the already varied events programme.”