A new operator for the Guild Hall and Charter Theatre could be announced in a matter of days.

Earlier today, Simon Rigby declared the venue open with immediate effect, claiming a charity, The Guild Foundation, had stepped in to take over the reins.

Read more: Guild Hall is back open under new charity

He explained: “The Business Debt Advisor is effectively the owner of Preston Guild Hall.

“Today’s announcement relates only to the Great Hall and Charter Theatre.

“The Guild Foundation has held a lease on the two auditoriums since April 2018.”

Beverley Budsworth, of the Business Debt Advisor, the administrator acting for the Guild Hall, said: “The press release today has not been authorised by us.”

Ms Budsworth, an insolvency practitioner, was appointed to act as Administrator for the Guild Hall when it closed its doors on June 4.

She said: “As the administrator, we have been working very hard to find an operator, a reputable and financially secure operator, to operate Preston Guild Hall.

“We hope to make an announcement in the next day or two.”

Ms Budsworth said she could not comment on the Guild Foundation or whether the talks were continuing with VMS Live, who have previously been tipped to take over operations at the Guild Hall.

But Mr Rigby sad: “If BDA are only a couple of days away from an announcement no one would be happier than me and I would not stand in their way if that turns out to be the case.

“However,  having the auditoriums shut does not seem to be in anyone interest. 

“The Guild Foundation came into existence in 2018 and will be around for many years to come.”