Sarah Thorne Theatre secure after Memorial Hall auction draws just one bid

THE future of the Sarah Thorne Theatre has been secured after its founder, Michael Wheatley-Ward, successfully fought to purchase the Broadstairs Memorial Hall, preventing the property from being sold to external bidders at auction by Kent County Council.

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Broadstairs Memorial Hall, home of the Sarah Thorne Theatre

(CLIVE EMSON)

Mr Wheatley-Ward secured the hall for his company after an online auction on December 11 attracted only a single bid, which was £45,000 below the guide price of £350,000.

The news has been met with widespread relief from the community and political figures, who had opposed the sale of the building which houses the popular theatre.

Dame Judi Dench, the theatre's patron, had previously expressed her horror at the potential sale, saying: “I understand that Michael Wheatley-Ward has a lease for five years, but this sale would obviously put the future of the theatre in jeopardy.

“It would be a tremendous loss to the local community and every effort should be made to secure its future.”