Savills to soon begin marketing Salisbury City Hall

The historical venue, which opened in 1963 and once played host to The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and David Bowie, as well as native Salisbury band Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich, has been empty since the NHS ceased using it as a covid vaccination centre in January 2023.

Following the NHS’ departure, a condition survey of the building was undertaken in which its level of structural integrity was found to be unsafe for live music, delaying its reopening.

Friends of Salisbury City Hall, which previously campaigned for City Hall to be reopened sooner, announced on Monday, April 8 that a “specialist estate agent” had been appointed.

However, it was not until Wednesday, May 1 that Wiltshire Council revealed the marketing would be undertaken by Savills.

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Salisbury City Hall (Image: Spencer Mulholland)

A spokesperson for Savills confirmed the arrangement and said the company’s specialist Licensed Leisure Team would soon begin marketing the property out of its London and Southampton offices.

The council has instructed Savills to look for organisations that would be open to entering into a lease in excess of 25 years, with the stipulation that the venue remains as an entertainment venue. Wiltshire Council would retain overall ownership of the building.

Councillor Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “We’re pleased to be working with Savills UK on this project and their expertise over the next few months will prove vital as we look to secure a provider to take City Hall into a new era on our behalf.

“We’ll be in regular contact with them throughout this process and will provide further updates when we can.

“As we’ve stated all throughout this work, we want City Hall to be a thriving entertainment venue that complements the city, and we look forward to working with Savills UK to help identify a provider that shares this vision.”