Image Credit: Luke Simmonds

The Pyramids Centre which was due to be closed on the 31st March has been granted a reprieve by the city council.

Council leader Gerald Vernon-Jackson announced that the council had located a reported a £682,000 financial package to support the centre.

Council reports had previously reported that it would cost about £32m to maintain and repair the centre.

The centre which houses a cafe, nightclub, pub and leisure centre alongside being a favorite for both local and internationally recognised bands to play has had a great deal of support, with over 9,000 signatories signing a petition to save the centre.

In the past two months Hot Chip, Dizzee Rascal and The Hoosiers have all played at the centre and many bands have expressed their disappointment in the closure.

Although critics of the closure support the councils decision concerns have been raised that the Liberal Democrat council have used the decision for political gain. Local elections are being held on the 1st May and the decision appears to be timed to gain support for council leaders.

Steve Wemyss, the leader of the conservative group of councillors is reported as saying “Cynical people would say that the reason you are saving it in 13 months is that there will be no election then for people to judge you. We had better make sure this marketing exercise goes ahead properly and we do our best by the Pyramids”