AN EX-BEATLES gig venue could still be saved as the cash-strapped council owners look set to sell it off for less than it was bought for.

Slough Borough Council officers have recommended senior councillors go ahead with the sale of the Adelphi Theatre on Bath Road.

If approved, the local authority will sell the historic venue for £4m, which is £600,000 less than what the council paid for when it acquired the building in 2018.

According to a report, which will be presented to members sitting on the cabinet committee for asset disposals, the preferred bidder proposes to retain the Adelphi and possibly use it as a banqueting suite.

This could be good news as some, such as the cinema and theatre association, which campaigns to save historic cinemas and theatres from disappearing forever, were concerned Slough’s last Adelphi Theatre would be demolished.

Slough Observer: The Beatles performed at the Adelphi Theatre in Slough in the 1960sThe Beatles performed at the Adelphi Theatre in Slough in the 1960s (Image: Observer)

The Adelphi was built in the 1930s as an independent cinema but saw crowds of people flock to the 2042 seated auditorium to see the major acts of the 1960s and 1970s, such as the Beatles, Roy Orbison, and even guitar-legend Jimi Hendrix.

It closed in 1973 and was converted into a Granada Bingo Club. It is now leased to Buzz Bingo Hall until July 2023.

Slough Observer: The Adelphi Theatre back in the 1970s, before its closed in 1973The Adelphi Theatre back in the 1970s, before its closed in 1973 (Image: Observer)

The Adelphi was put on the market last year to “gauge” interest. It was declared as a surplus asset by the authority, meaning it is no longer required for the council’s operations.

Eight unconditional bids and three subject to planning bids were received. After further discussions and clarifications, this was narrowed down to two bidders – both of which wanted to retain the building.

READ MORE: Slough concerts we saw at The Adelphi Theatre

The name of the highest bidder remains confidential.

Senior councillors previously expressed interest in temporarily using the Adelphi Theatre as a cinema as the town centre’s only cinema, Empire Cinema Complex, has closed to accommodate the redevelopment of the Queensmere shopping centre.

Slough Borough Council purchased the Adelphi with the intention to protect it from unsympathetic redevelopment and potentially use it as a cultural hub, such as moving the Slough Orchestra in.

The local authority had to dispel some fears and rumours when it bought the former venue as some residents believed the council was eyeing to either sell off to a developer or turn it into housing.

READ MORE: Slough's ex-Beatles music venue could be used as a cinema

However, the council is selling off up to £600m of its asset in order to reduce its £760m and stabilise its finances after it effectively declared bankruptcy last year.

Members will decide on the sale, subject to negotiations, at the meeting on Thursday, January 12.