Wyre Council Confirms Investment in Marine Hall and Announces New Creative Leadership for Thornton Little Theatre
28th of April, 2026
Wyre Council has reaffirmed its long‑term commitment to supporting culture, community and local economic growth with major updates for two of the borough’s key venues Marine Hall in Fleetwood and Thornton Little Theatre.
Wyre Council has confirmed that Marine Hall will remain under council management, following the conclusion of a procurement process to appoint an external operator.
After careful consideration, the Council’s Management Board decided to end the procurement exercise without making an award. While the strong level of interest received demonstrated Marine Hall’s appeal and potential, members were clear that the priority is to retain the venue within Wyre and focus on investing in its future.
Councillor Lynne Bowen, Leisure, Health and Community Engagement Portfolio Holder at Wyre Council, welcomed the decision, saying:
“The interest we received in Marine Hall was extremely encouraging and confirmed the value and potential of this much‑loved venue. However, we believe the right decision is to retain Marine Hall within Wyre and focus on investing in its future so it can continue to serve our residents, support the local economy and thrive in the long term.”
The decision marks the beginning of a new phase focused on protecting, enhancing and strengthening Marine Hall’s offer to ensure long‑term viability and continued value for residents, visitors and the local economy.
As part of this approach, and in response to public feedback calling for a seaside café, options are being explored to bring the Waterfront Bar and kitchen back into use as a daytime café on the promenade. Proposals also include the creation of a second community and performance space, helping to increase daytime use, broaden appeal and strengthen Marine Hall’s role as a key community asset.
Essential roof improvement works above the Waterfront Bar are scheduled to begin on 29 April and will affect the Waterfront Bar area only. Normal access to and from the venue will remain unaffected. The works are expected to take approximately six weeks to complete.
Keep up to date with the latest shows at Marine Hall by visiting the website: https://www.marinehall.co.uk/
Wyre Council has also confirmed that Thornton Little Theatre is set to enter an exciting new chapter, with a new leaseholder bringing fresh energy, creativity and ambition to the much‑loved venue.
Claire and Ged Mills from Coastal Radio will be taking on the theatre and are preparing plans to re‑energise the space with a programme of live performance, community activity and creative opportunities.
Speaking ahead of the theatre’s anticipated return to use later this summer, Ged Mills said:
“This theatre has huge potential. I’m keen to start working with local performers, promoters and community organisations right away to shape an exciting and inclusive future programme.”
Wyre Council is currently finalising the legal arrangements, with activity planning already underway behind the scenes.
Councillor Lynne Bowen, Leisure, Health and Community Engagement Portfolio Holder at Wyre Council, said:
“This marks a positive step forward for the theatre. We’re delighted to be working with Claire and Ged as plans progress.”
Councillor Lesley McKay, Resources Policy Holder at Wyre Council, added:
“We’re looking forward to seeing the venue brought back into use and ensuring it can once again benefit the local community.”
Artists, promoters, organisations and community groups interested in using Thornton Little Theatre are invited to register their interest by contacting: info@thorntonlittletheatre.co.uk
ENDS
Marine Hall, Fleetwood