Business

What are the room hire rates for different spaces and how do minimum spends work?

Room rates vary significantly by space: Max Rayne Auditorium (146 theatre) costs £3,190 for 4 hours, Dame Deirdre Hine room (36 classroom) costs £990 per day, Marcus Beck Library (30 U-shape) costs £900 per day, and Heritage Centre (17 boardroom) costs £440 per day. For drinks receptions, there's a minimum catering spend of £2,500 plus VAT in addition to room hire. Weekend bookings require a minimum spend of £3,000 plus VAT.

What are the minimum attendee numbers and how do they affect pricing?

Minimum numbers vary by room and catering type: Max Rayne Auditorium requires 90 people minimum, most meeting rooms require 15 people minimum, and Heritage Centre requires 10 people minimum. For catering, standard refreshments have a 90-person minimum, while some rooms like Heritage Centre only need 15. If your group is smaller than the minimum, you'll still be charged for the minimum number.

What are the venue's operating hours and access restrictions?

The venue operates during standard business hours with evening availability until 10pm maximum - service ends at 10pm to allow guests to wind down for departure. Evening events can start from 6:30pm. The venue is closed on certain dates throughout the year, and access times may be restricted if other events are using shared spaces.

What catering options are available and what are the exact costs?

Standard catering is charged per person, per serving: tea/coffee with biscuits £4.30, tea/coffee with biscuits and fruit £5.00, Danish pastries and fruit salad £6.00, working lunch £26.25, and working lunch package (includes 3 breaks plus lunch) £38.85. External food and drink are strictly prohibited - all catering must be provided by the venue.

What AV equipment is included and what are the additional hire costs?

Basic AV varies by room: Max Rayne Auditorium includes projector, 2 handhelds, 2 lapels and lectern; most meeting rooms include LCD screen and video conference kit. Additional equipment costs: laptop £150, PA system with 2 handheld mics £250, AV technician for full event support £950, hybrid package £1,000, and flipchart with pens £40.

How long are quotes valid and what is the booking hold process?

All quotes are valid for 5 days only. The venue does not automatically hold space when providing quotes - you must specifically request a temporary hold if you want the space reserved while you decide. Site visits can be arranged to check room suitability before booking.

Are there any special room restrictions or environmental controls?

The Heritage Centre has a fixed maximum temperature of 20°C that cannot be altered, as it's a library space storing antique books. Some rooms have fixed layouts (Marcus Beck Library is permanently set in U-shape), and certain spaces may have restricted access times if other events are using shared areas.

What are the payment terms and VAT implications?

All prices quoted are subject to VAT at 20%. The venue requires payment according to their standard terms, though specific payment schedules aren't detailed in the quotes. Day delegate packages and room hire rates are clearly separated from catering costs, with minimum numbers applying to both elements.