Kettering Conference Centre and Lighthouse Theatre to close

A leisure complex including a well-known theatre has announced it is to close.

Kettering Conference Centre houses the Lighthouse Theatre, Balance Health Club and Arena Sports Centre.

A centre spokesman said the venues in the Northamptonshire town would close on 31 May.

He said: "Despite our best efforts to rebuild following the pandemic... the venue is no longer financially viable and cannot continue to operate."

A member of theatre staff, who did not want to be named, said: "I watched young people who've got young families break down in tears and say, 'How am I going to pay the mortgage, how am I going to survive?'.

"Ultimately it will affect about 80 staff across the whole business," he said.

"Nobody said anything to anybody until yesterday, when we were told you're all at risk of redundancy and we're closing the place on 31 May."

Kettering comedian James Acaster was due to perform a four-night homecoming stint at the theatre in August.

A spokesman for Kettering Conference Centre said: "We have explored all possible alternatives and have not taken this decision lightly."

One of the main reasons for the closure was a "significant" increase in operational costs during the past year, he said.

The centre had seen energy costs increase by 290% and operational costs by more than 50%.

Employees would be supported and attempts made to identify alternative work, he added.

Customers would be provided with full refunds and support offered relating to booked events or memberships.

"We would like to express our thanks to the council, local community and all those who have used the venue for their support throughout the years," the spokesman added.

The conference centre site is leased from the landowner by North Northamptonshire Council.

Its Conservative deputy leader Helen Howell said: "We are keen to ensure that arrangements are put in place so that services can be restored at the facility as quickly as possible.

"The council was made aware of the intention for [the site] to close yesterday and we are now working with all concerned to review our legal position regarding contractual arrangements."

Find BBC News: East of England on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you have a story suggestion email [email protected]