Lancaster Musicians’ Co-op - further statement

Lancaster City Council and the Lancaster Musicians’ Co-op met this morning to discuss the efforts made on its behalf to meet the conditions set by councillors at November’s meeting of Full Council.

It was a very positive meeting as both parties discussed the work the co-op has undertaken to 1 Lodge Street, Lancaster in the weeks since that meeting.

Having met the conditions as set out in the resolution, it has been verbally agreed that the eviction notice will be rescinded. Final details of this are now being finalised, and a formal notice of withdrawal will be sent out in early January.

Susan Parsonage, Chief Executive of Lancaster City Council, said: “We would like to thank the Musicians’ Co-op for the efforts they have made to work with us to secure its future and to achieve the outcome we have all wanted.

“Today’s meeting went well and I am delighted that we will now be able to rescind the eviction notice.”

Discussions have also taken place between the council and the co-op regarding a separate fire safety regulation visit to the building, and the co-op is now working through any changes it needs to make.

Coun Janice Hanson, cabinet member for regeneration and planning, said: “I am fully supportive of today’s outcome and my hope is that the co-op can now look forward to an exciting future and continue to support musicians for many years to come.

“We have laid the foundations of a real partnership with the council to promote music in Lancaster, as part of our important cultural offer.

“We will continue to work through the resolution made by Full Council.”

Last updated: 21 December 2018