Fairfield Halls’ operator BH Live has appointed Jonathan Higgins as general manager.

Higgins comes to Croydon with 15 years’ experience managing venues and events in the north of England.

Higgins has said that he wants to open the concert hall and performance space to the local community, adding: “We have an internationally renowned concert hall, the excellent Ashcroft Theatre and a variety of versatile studio spaces, and they’re all there to be used, and as much as possible.

“As well as attracting major names, theatre shows and brilliant classical acts, I want to see diversity in our programming and more local children on Fairfield’s stages. I also encourage local choirs, amateur theatre groups, youth theatres and dance schools to get in touch, they should all feel able to come and be part of our future.

“It’s Croydon’s venue, a community venue and everything else comes after that.

“Whilst Fairfield Halls is recognised as one of South London’s most important arts centres, it is critically important that we remain active, supportive and relevant to local people. Whether that be by offering more opportunities for young people to work at the venue, or by implementing a new range of community focused activities specifically dedicated to improving the lives of older residents, we have to think differently and be make sure that wise decisions are made, to make the best use of this excellent community asset.”