ALTON Assembly Rooms is to be given a new lease of life with the challenging appointment of a new promotions and marketing manager. Alton Town Council has hired local man Dean Phillips to promote and market Alton's Assembly Rooms for a six-month trial period. The resignation of the previous caretaker is said to have given the council an opportunity to change the way the building is managed, by bringing in a private contractor. This move follows a consultant's report, commissioned by the council, which recommended ways to bring the building into greater public use. Prior to making an appointment, a number of potential providers were approached, and councillors also visited similar facilities elsewhere in the county to see how they operated. Alton Town Mayor Paddy Mendham said: "We really want to see much better use made of the Assembly Rooms, so we were impressed with Dean's enthusiasm and ideas. This is a new approach for the council and we will be looking closely at the results at the end of the six months." Mr Phillips' task is to bring new business to the Assembly Rooms and to expand its use by the community. He will also be carrying out market research among existing and potential users to establish what further improvements to the facilities can be provided. Councillors have expressed an interest in the concept of a theatre/arts centre, with the building regarded as a venue for entertainment rather than just rooms for hire. Mr Phillips will be looking to increase the number of theatre and musical performances on offer, and exploring the potential for increased daytime use. Known in the town for his flamboyant and enthusiastic support of charitable events, Mr Phillips has experience in catering, marketing and entertaining and is in the process of launching a new marketing company named The Little Grey Cells. Keen to take on the challenge he is already talking to existing users of Alton Assembly Rooms and would like to hear from anyone who has suggestions for better use of the building. Dean Phillips can be contacted on 01420 82203.
