Councillors have re-affirmed their deep concerns over a proposed deal to take over a much-loved concert hall in Cardiff. Academy Music Group (AMG), which forms part of Live Nation, proposed to take on the operation of St David's Hall - best known as Cardiff's principle classical music venue - on a long-term lease.
Councillors again raised their concerns over the proposed takeover, including a potential monopolization of venues in Cardiff by Live Nation, during a lengthy Cardiff Council economy and culture scrutiny meeting. Members of the committee also raised concerns about the potential uncertainty over St David's Hall's classical music programme, the threat to the building's acoustics and the value of the deal.
Councillor Catriona Brown-Reckless said at the end of the meeting, held on Monday, December 12, that she was "left more concerned" than she was when she came into the meeting. She added: "I feel the only party that is going to benefit from this is Live Nation. The council is going to be worse off and Cardiff will be culturally worse off.
