Director’s Update : our re-opening plans

Following the most recent government announcements giving permission to re-open museums, galleries and cafés from 4 July, people have been asking about the re-opening of the Pavilion. I would like to update you on our current thinking.

We are pleased that the terrace bar has been open for takeaways over the last couple of weeks, and it’s been wonderful to see everyone – thank so much for your support. So far, this first step forward has been successful and we will continue to open at weekends and on sunny days where resources allow.

As you know, we have lost over half our income (around £1.1m) due to our closure, and we must continue to actively fundraise to try to fill this gap. We have a brilliant fundraising team working behind the scenes, with support from the Trustees, and of course we thank you for your support in not asking for refunds, donating and by supporting us through our Members and Patrons schemes.

So before we can reopen, we must make sure we can do so in a financially sustainable manner, and that we can operate in a ‘covid-secure’ way (we are looking closely at the guidelines as we speak).

We anticipate that we will be able to be in a position to consider our next steps in the first half of July.

We are keen to be back at the heart of our community as soon as possible and we’ll let you know as soon as plans are firmed up!

In the mean time, your support is needed now more than ever.  Please donate if you can.

With very best wishes

 

Stewart Drew

Director & CEO
De La Warr Pavilion

 

Posted by sally on Thursday 25 June 2020