CUSTOMERS of Basingstoke’s theatres are being asked for their views on their use of the venues and opportunities for the future.

A survey from BOP Consulting on behalf of Anvil Arts asks users of The Anvil, The Haymarket and The Forge theatres for their views to “better understand the impact Anvil Arts has on its audiences, its stakeholders, the city (sic) of Basingstoke and the wider region”.

It asks respondents whether they would take advantage of daytime events at the venues such as retail pop-ups, lunchtime talks, summer schools, music-making experiences, workshops, a café and hot-desking.

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It also asks what food and drink options customers would like available at performances, such as cocktails, sandwiches, and street food, and which premium services they would consider buying alongside a performance ticket, such as VIP hospitality, reception drinks on arrival, an at-seat refreshment service and meet the artist experience.

The questionnaire also seeks to find out how often customers attend a performance at the theatres; how much they spend during their visit; and the quality of the performances.

Major plans to regenerate and extend The Anvil and The Haymarket theatres were announced in 2021, revealing exciting new plans to rejuvenate the town’s theatres.

However, so far, there has not been an update on the progress of this project.

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The plans included a major revamp of the outside space at The Anvil to incorporate an external amphitheatre to stage performances; pop-up food and drink stalls outside; the removal of The Malls lift and car park ramp to create a new square used as a public space; and a revamp of the rooftop terrace.

The trust also hoped to create outside seating space at The Haymarket, with hopes to work with The Willis Museum to transform the Top of Town into a lively, vibrant area.

Anvil Arts has been asked for further information on what it intends to do with the results of the survey and for an update on its rejuvenation plans.

Matthew Cleaver, chief executive at Anvil Arts, said: “Our earlier proposal was contributing to the wider ideas about the town centre.

“We look forward to continuing the conversations with all the major stakeholders to make sure that Basingstoke town centre is an exciting destination for the future.”