Rochford District Council has started looking for a professional company to take over the day-to-day running of the Mill Arts and Events Centre in Rayleigh, Essex. This move is part of a plan to make sure the venue stays open and stays financially healthy for the local community.
The council is looking for an operator to sign a 15-year lease and management agreement to run the venue. There is also an option for this deal to be extended for a further five years if both sides are happy with how the arts centre is being managed.
The decision to find an outside company follows a review in September 2025 by the council’s Economic Development, Regeneration and Tourism Committee. While a new company will manage the events and daily work, the council will still own the building itself.
Bids from interested companies must be sent to the council by 12pm on 24 April 2026. The contract is expected to be handed out on 1 July 2026, with the new team starting their roles on 1 September 2026.
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