No private bidders to run Villa-Gaiety

Pause for rethink in outsourcing exercise

Moves to outsource the running of the Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre could still be successful - despite no companies coming forward with formal tenders.  

The Department of Economic Development says none of the three short-listed companies which had initially expressed interest, placed a bid by the deadline last week.

However in a statement, DED says the firms have all expressed an interest in forming a partnership with the department. The nature of such a tie-up is not yet clear.

Staff at the complex have now also been asked to contribute ideas on how the Villa-Gaiety could be operated in future, according to the statement.

DED boss Laurence Skelly says he understands the delay is frustrating, but he's committed to finding the best solution for all involved.