Invitation to express interest in catering at the Ayr Gaiety

Background

Ayr Gaiety Partnership Limited (AGP) is a charitable organisation formed in 2009 to redevelop and operate the Ayr Gaiety as an arts and theatre hub for South Ayrshire. AGP secured preferred bidder status following a South Ayrshire Council tender process.

We are finalising plans for The Gaiety to be relaunched in 2011, providing a studio theatre and cafe/bar and a range of project work with local and national partners. This will provide a platform for AGP to work with South Ayrshire Council, University of the West of Scotland, and Creative Scotland to redevelop and relaunch the Gaiety as an arts hub and middle scale theatre, contributing to the cultural, social and economic regeneration of South Ayrshire.

Securing a viable revenue model for the operation is our first goal and we hope to complete our work to achieve this shortly. Key to this model will be income from the catering operation. We envisage strong links between catering and performances, with cafe/bar/restaurant visitors booking tickets to shows and audiences being key customers.  Our plans are set out in a little more detail below.

Plans

Main stage and auditorium - during phase 1 we intend to use the auditorium and stage to present project and community based productions as soon as we can meet basic licensing requirements.

Phase 2 will gradually restore the stage and auditorium as the main middle scale venue for South West Scotland, presenting the best of touring theatre, music, ballet, dance, opera and entertainment. During this phase we will restore the auditorium to pristine condition and update stage facilities to meet the requirements of current touring companies and promoters. Digital cinema screening facilities will be part of our development at an early stage.

Studio theatre - the studio will reopen as a 100-132 seat venue and flexible space in 2011. Seating will be removable to ensure flexible usage and maximum occupancy of the space. We will install a lighting grid and PA system to enable professional productions in a ‘black box' studio feel. Access will be from a dedicated stairwell to enable activities to take place without the opening of the full front of house facility. A high standard of sound separation between the studio and the cafe underneath will enable simultaneous use of both spaces.

Cafe / bar The cafe/bar will be completely remodelled and will open with the studio theatre in Autumn 2011 as:

• a catering destination in its own right;
• show catering and bars (pre, interval, and post show);
• a ticket sales outlet;
• a key part of arts centre activities such as foyer exhibition and performance;
• a venue for small scale acoustic performance; and
• a major income stream to AGP.

Cafe-bar-restaurant facilities

By the time Ayr Gaiety Partnership takes over ownership (or long lease) of the building it will have been refurbished to provide additional toilet accommodation, the studio theatre and a fully remodelled and refurbished cafe. An indicative layout is shown below, and it will include:

• A fully equipped kitchen
• A fully equipped bar/food preparation and server area
• A box office integrated into the bar
• Facilities for around 72 covers in cafe or informal restaurant configuration
• Mobile bars for the studio area (with plans for similar for the main auditorium
• A completely remodelled space with side windows and wider glazed doors with tables to the entry

We have worked with the Councils design team to develop a facility that is flexible but driven by considerations of maximising income at all times of the day. We do not intend that it will operate primarily as a bar - although it will serve alcohol with meals and to audiences. It may provide full evening meal restaurant service but will certainly offer a coffee shop and light meals service during the day and early evening. However we expect to develop our plans and expectations with the chosen operator and in response to demand.

Expressions of interest

If you may be interested in working with us to develop the catering (and perhaps programming) at the Gaiety, please let us know by sending us the following information:

• 1. Your contact details
• 2. The nature of your current business or occupation
• 3. A short account of your relevant experience
• 4. An indication of the nature of your interest - as a tenant, as a partner or as lead for a social enterprise - or some other role.
• 5. At least two referees

Please let us have this information by midnight on Thursday 7 July (note extended deadline) by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it - you can also email this address with any questions.