The new manager of Croydon’s Fairfield Halls said he wants to open its doors to the local community. 

The arts centre has been under scrutiny after an multi-million refurbishment was completed in 2019 and ran overbudget.

BH Live, which runs the Wellesley Road venue has appointed Jonathan Higgins to take on the role of general manager.

He most recently worked for Your Trust Rochdale, a cultural trust.

The council-run revamp of the centre cost nearly £70 million and went £30 million over budget.  

The project was supposed to be funded by development on land next door by council-owned developer Brick by Brick – but this plan was scrapped in 2021.

The £69.2 million in loans to the company have been wiped by the council meaning taxpayers will foot the bill.

A few Croydon mayoral candidates last week called on BH Live to be sacked as operator of the venue in favour of a local company which could offer more community events.

BH Live now says it will open the glass-fronted cube at the side of the halls will be host a series of community events and will offer computers with internet for locals to use for free.

Mr Higgins, who has moved to Croydon, said: “We have an internationally renowned concert hall, the excellent Ashcroft Theatre and a variety of versatile studio spaces, and they’re all there to be used, and as much as possible.

“As well as attracting major names, theatre shows and brilliant classical acts, I want to see diversity in our programming and more local children on Fairfield’s stages.

"I also encourage local choirs, amateur theatre groups, youth theatres and dance schools to get in touch, they should all feel able to come and be part of our future.

"It’s Croydon’s venue, a community venue and everything else comes after that.

“Whilst Fairfield Halls is recognised as one of South London’s most important arts centres, it is critically important that we remain active, supportive and relevant to local people.

"Whether that be by offering more opportunities for young people to work at the venue, or by implementing a new range of community focused activities specifically dedicated to improving the lives of older residents, we have to think differently and be make sure that wise decisions are made, to make the best use of this excellent community asset. “