City Hall to remain a vaccination centre until March 2023

Wiltshire Council has confirmed that City Hall in Salisbury will remain an NHS vaccination centre until March 2023.

The council and the NHS have agreed on a six-month extension to their occupation of City Hall, which was due to expire at the end of September. The extension will allow the NHS to plan for the autumn and winter, with booster jabs confirmed to be rolled out to the over 50s.

In the meantime, Wiltshire Council say they continue to plan for the venue’s future beyond the lease’s expiry, with a report due to be presented at a future cabinet meeting, likely to be in the coming months. The paper will outline the options available and provide more analysis of the council’s recent soft market test exercise, which established the possible interest of organisations running the venue on the council’s behalf.

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said, “There was an increase of COVID-19 cases earlier in the summer so we are pleased to extend the City Hall lease so that the NHS can comprehensively plan for the next six months ahead, during what is always a tricky autumn and winter period.

“However, we know people are eager to see City Hall reopen as an entertainment venue, just as we are, so cabinet will soon be presented with a comprehensive report so that we can make an informed decision on the options available and its long-term future can be secured.

“We’ll continue to keep people updated on this, as we recognise the important role the venue plays in the city’s cultural and entertainment offer.”

Fiona Hyett, Operations Director at Salisbury City Hall, added, “We are delighted to be able to continue providing the Covid-19 vaccine from Salisbury City Hall.

“So far, this central location has provided the backdrop to more than 240,000 vaccinations, and that number is set to increase over the coming months as adults aged over 50 begin to come forward for their all-important autumn booster jab.

“At every stage of the vaccination programme, we have been overwhelmed by the response from people in and around Salisbury, and we are confident that this latest phase, which will also see those who are eligible offered the seasonal flu vaccine, will be met in much the same way.”

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