Shrewsbury Quarry could host more live music events after review agreed
The Quarry in Shrewsbury could host more live music events after councillors agreed to review a policy restricting its use.
The venue, which is owned and managed by Shrewsbury Town Council, can currently only hold two amplified music events a month, with a maximum of 10 per year.
But a relaxation of the rules would enable it to attract more events that could bring extra revenue into the town.
The council says the Quarry is considered as Shrewsbury's "jewel in the crown" and should be used more often.
It is already the venue of Shrewsbury Flower Festival and is visited each year by the circus as well as hosting events like Shrewsbury Carvival, proms and a beer festival.
Town council members will meet next week to consider relaxing rules to allow more events.
Council clerk Helen Ball said the 10 event rule was restrictive, adding: "We get requests to use the Quarry on a regular basis.
"The members want to look at whether we should have less restrictions in there so we can open it up to more use."
The council's policy restricts users to four hours of amplified music, including rehearsal time, with a cut off period of 11pm.
Mrs Ball said: "We did some research where we interviewed more than 1,000 people and asked them what they valued about the town and overwhelmingly the Quarry came out as the number one place.
"It was the jewel in the crown and a place that visitors and residents alike thought was worth while and an accessible space. It makes it a great facility for events, the acoustics are fabulous, and we need to look at how can we add additional flavour to the events calendar for the town."
Leader of the Town Council, Alan Mosley, said it was important a balance is struck between allowing local people to enjoy the area as open space and hosting events.
He said: "There may be occasions where special entertainment events would add greatly to the attractions on offer to residents and draw in visitors.
"However, we will always ensure that any events are properly managed and ensure that they have minimum impact on normal uses of the Quarry and nearby residents."
