Date set for Reconnect Regal taking over running of Howden Park Centre

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Bathgate’s Reconnect Regal theatre trust are to take over the running of Howden Park Centre next month.The Livingston-based venue had earlier this year been earmarked for closure alongside three swimming pools.

West Lothian Leisure won permission to close the swimming pools but plans were put on hold for the theatre after the council agreed to emergency funding until the end of March 2024.Following talks between the council and Reconnect SCIO, they will be taking over operational responsibility for Howden Park Centre from September 1 for an initial seven-month period.In a statement, Pete Sneddon, Creative Director at Reconnect Theatres said: “Reconnect are delighted to finally be able to announce that we are taking over operational responsibility for the Howden Park Centre on the 1st of September 2023.“The initial contract is for a seven-month period to allow time for a full business plan to be developed and approved for the future of the HPC.“We are grateful for the overwhelming support shown to our bid during this time from local groups, organisations and individuals as well as across all political parties.

The effort made by the Hands of Howden Park movement was quite incredible.”He added: “We would like to thank West Lothian Council and Creative Scotland for granting us this opportunity to keep the much-loved venue open and sharing its amazing gifts, it’s a home from home to so many and a base of operations for some incredible organisations like Firefly, Livingston Art Association, ArtLink and many more.“Reconnect hope to support and work with all of these organisations to ensure that the people of West Lothian have ongoing and expanding access to a range of arts services, not just at the HPC or the Regal but across