THE running of Southampton's premier music venue is to be taken on by a private firm in a bid to improve facilities and attract bigger and better acts.

Clear Channel Entertainment UK is set to take over the operational management of the Guildhall and Solent Suite, which had been costing the council £390,000 a year.

The firm already operates a number of similar venues across the country and civic chiefs hope it will be able to attract more bands to the Guildhall, pictured.

Councillor Derek Burke told a Cabinet meeting: "It will improve the type of events we can attract there.

"Another thing is that the fabric of the building will improve. This is an opportunity we should grab with both hands.

"This is what's best for the staff and for the venue, which serves a wide region. We should end up with a better venue and a better service to the public."

A report for the Cabinet said: "The trends emerging from within the entertainment industry suggest that the private sector is increasing the number of contracts it holds within the local authority sector.

"This is therefore considered to be the optimum time for the venue to be offered to the private sector."

Mike Tucker, branch secretary of the Southampton branch of Unison, raised concern the move would lead to job losses and worse working conditions for staff.

A ten-year contract has been signed with the entertainment group, with an option to extend to 25 years.