The long term future of Howden Park Centre has been secured

Programming and marketing support for the venue will continue to be provided, in partnership, by West Lothian Council, particularly in relation to ongoing development of the venue's community programme and related partnerships, alongside general promotion of venue activity via council social media channels.

Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: "This is really good news for users of Howden park Centre and we are delighted to have reached this agreement to secure Howden Park Centre's future. The centre is critical to the culture and arts scene in West Lothian. There's been an enormous amount of work undertaken by Reconnect and the council to reach this point and a good outcome for the centre, customers and the people of West Lothian."

Here are some key elements of Reconnect SCIO's approved bid:

• The facility will be used as a theatre and arts venue and as the permanent base for Firefly Arts for the duration of the lease period
• An ambitious and enhanced programme of artistic activity would be provided, building on what is currently offered with in-house production of pantomime, musicals and plays, a touring programme, a visiting companies programme, development and introduction of a special outdoor events programme, and continued engagement work with local schools and community groups.
• Implementation of a new two-venue operating model from 1 April 2024, spanning Howden Park Centre, Livingston, and the Regal Theatre, Bathgate, in order to achieve ongoing efficiencies via economies of scale, a more streamlined and integrated approach to programming, ticket sales, back office functions, and to broaden the cultural and community arts offering across the wider West Lothian area
• The bistro and bar offering would continue to be developed to ensure they appropriately align with the programme of activities, events and wider usage of the venue, supporting the aim of the venue becoming a financially viable, sustainable and vibrant destination.
• A request for ongoing engagement with relevant council services to support the development of Reconnect SCIO's plans for access to, and utilisation of, the publicly accessible open spaces which surround the venue, and for car for car parking and wider access to the overall site.
• Reconnect SCIO would pursue commercial sponsorship opportunities and develop corporate partnerships relating to the venue itself and the programmes delivered