G Live – ‘A Fantastic First Year’ Says Council Leader

Published on: 15 Sep, 2012
Updated on: 18 Sep, 2012

G Live has won a regional Royal Institute of British Architects award – All photos John Schluter (click to enlarge)

By Flora Windebank

G Live is celebrating its first birthday. Guildford’s new entertainment venue which replaced the old Civic Hall has also won a regional Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) South East award for its unique design.

Guildford Borough Council, who invested £25 million in the project, says it is thrilled at the venue’s success so far, and the major boost it has given the local economy. Along with the development of the four star Radisson Blu Hotel, next door to G Live, an outdated area of the town centre has been given a complete refurbishment.

The entrance to G Live

Leader of the council, Cllr Tony Rooth, said: “This has been a fantastic first year for G Live and we are very proud of its success. Many thousands of local people and visitors have enjoyed the varied entertainment and come to Guildford since last September. It is also a stunning building as the recent RIBA architectural award recognises.”

Having suffered many misgivings from critics over whether such a large investment was wise at a time of economic crisis, the council have reason to be happy with G Live’s returns so far.

The coffee bar and foyer

Cllr Rooth continued: “Our £25 million investment might have been seen as risky at a time of recession, but building G Live is part of our wider vision for the borough and we have a leading role in delivering and enabling key investments. Our economic strategy is about supporting and developing the local economy in difficult times to promote future strength.”

The council were unable to give solid figures for the venue’s exact returns, but a spokesperson gave an assurance that it was run economically, saying: “Its management was outsourced after a competitive process to ensure the venue was run in the most cost effective way for the council. It is run on our behalf by HQ Theatres, who successfully run a range of venues across the country.”

A striking frontage for Guildford’s premier entertainment venue which represents a £25m investment of local taxpayers’ money (click to enlarge)

Local businesses have so far supported the project, and many feel it has had a positive effect on the town. Kevin Lorimer, chairman of the Town Centre Management Group and manager of the Guildford County Club, said: “I am convinced that G Live is playing a major role in boosting the local economy.

“The venue is bringing in thousands of visitors, many from outside the area, who are spending in local shops, restaurants and other outlets. Businesses are telling me that G Live is a major asset to the town and I wholeheartedly agree.”