WILTSHIRE Council's plans for Salisbury City Hall are locked tight, or so the Journal found out after a freedom of information (FOI) request was rejected.

The Journal sent a request under the FOI Act 2000 to Wiltshire Council after its representatives gave no update at the Salisbury Area Board in September.

The question was: "Which parties are being considered by Wiltshire Council for the lease of Salisbury City Hall?"

Read more: Salisbury City Hall: Tempers flared at council meeting

Leader of Wiltshire Council Richard Clewer(Image: Wiltshire Council) Leader of Wiltshire Council Richard Clewer, said: “We are unable to disclose those interested in taking on a long-term lease at City Hall as this information is commercially confidential, meaning it could damage the potential contractor's commercial interests or negatively affect the lease process.

"This is standard practice for the circumstances and even if a freedom of information request is submitted, we cannot disclose that information.

"We know there is local interest in the future of City Hall, and we are equally as passionate about this, so we continue to work with Savills to secure an organisation to run it as an entertainment venue.

"We will confirm more information about this as soon as we’re in a position to do so.”

The council's response to the FOI it confirmed it is in possession of the information, but rejected the request under Section 43(2) Commercial Interests for these reasons:

  • It is more difficult to achieve value for money when awarding contracts, which would be contrary to the public interest. 
  • It is not in the public interest to disclose information that would harm the company’s/council’s ability to protect its position in a competitive environment. 
  • There is a public interest in the requirement to preserve confidentiality between the contracting parties.

While the council rejected the request, they did acknowledge the substantial public interest in revealing information about the negotiations.

In particular, Wiltshire Council noted the disclosure of the information would increase transparency and public understanding of its actions.

(Left to right) Councillors Paul Sample and Samuel Charleston (Image: Newsquest) Councillor Paul Sample, who clashed with Wiltshire Council Director of Leisure, Culture and Communities David Redfern in September was not impressed.

Paul stated: "The failing Conservative-led bureaucracy at County Hall in Trowbridge has taken secrecy to new lengths. Salisbury City Hall remains closed, derelict and residents are going elsewhere for their entertainment.

"Dozens of jobs supported by Salisbury’s night time economy have been lost. At a time like this Wiltshire’s political leaders should be open and transparent. What are they trying to hide? Why is everyone being kept in the dark?

"Local residents are sick of the delays and inaction by Trowbridge."

Councillor Samuel Charleston, contacted for comment, was also frustrated, stating: "Whist I respect that there is a need for confidentiality in what is undoubtedly a commercial process, I believe that the council administration could and should have been more open and transparent about the process up until now.

"It is no wonder that so many people have lost their faith in the way this is being handled."