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Step to outsource operation of Villa Gaiety complex

The Government is considering partial privatisation of two of the jewels in the Manx tourism crown.

The Department of Economic Development is inviting expressions of interest among local businesses and other organisations, to run both the Villa Marina complex and Gaiety Theatre.

Minister Lawrence Skelly says the department is exploring options to 'optimise the commercial potential' of the two venues - which would remain in government ownership.

Contracting-out the entertainment complex to save money was among recommendations in the 2012 Scope of Government report.

Mr Skelly says government is testing the market - but he's confident the move would greatly reduce the cost to taxpayers.

He praised staff for their efforts in trying to run the sites as efficiently as possible:

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