A DECISION could be made on the future of Felixstowe’s threatened seafront theatre this summer.

Councillors have given leisure operators and campaigners just five weeks to bring forward their ideas for the Spa Pavilion.

The Ipswich Star launched a Save Our Spa campaign after Suffolk Coastal decided to withdraw its �240,000-a-year funding for the venue as part of cost-cutting measures.

Now the council has invited companies to submit their business plans for the 913-seater venue by June 8, and it says the Spa may not stay as a theatre if a bidder comes up with an innovative proposal to turn it into a different sort of attraction.

“This is our next big step forward towards securing an exciting and long-term future for the Spa as a leisure and entertainment venue that is both financially self-supporting and attractive to both local residents and visitors to the resort,” said Geoff Holdcroft, cabinet member for economic development and leisure at Suffolk Coastal, owners of the theatre.

“We are now seeking tenders from interested companies and organisations to develop their exciting and innovative leisure/entertainment solution for one of our district’s key facilities.”

The theatre is still open with a full programme of shows over the coming months, but the current operators are set to leave in January next year.

Adverts were this week placed in specialist national publications calling for companies to come forward with their ideas.

As well as firms, charitable trusts and similar organisations can submit bids.

? Interested parties seeking information on the tender process should contact procurement officer Paul Aldrich on 01502 523508.