A plea to “move away from dates” has been made by the director of Fairfield Halls, which is set to open a year later than expected.

Neil Chandler, from operator BH Live, had stern words for councillors who had taken to social media to question delays in the completion of the new arts centre.

He also announced that the former Arnhem Gallery will be known as the Croydon Rec in the revamped venue.

At last night’s (Tuesday, December 11) scrutiny and overview committee he said: “Obviously we are and continue to be thrilled at the opportunity that awaits us when we open the doors in 2019.

“What we are very hopeful of as we begin to put shows on sale, is that we end up with some real joined up support from the entire council.

“It’s very discouraging and concerning for us if people who are part of the council make comment on social media – ‘when is it the building going to open?’, ‘will it ever open?’ – especially is the comments appear on the same social media threads that we use.

“Especially when we are trying to sell tickets, so our potential customers see comments from councillors asking such questions that does not give any confidence to anyone who wants to buy tickets when we open.

“As the operator I implore you to support the opening of Fairfield Halls and to move away from dates and lets talk about the fantastic opportunity for Croydon.

“It is incumbent on all of us to fly the flag for what will be the largest arts centre in South London.”

The venue in Park Lane, Croydon , has been closed since July 2016 for a £30 million makeover.

It was originally due to be open this autumn, but delays in the work saw the re-opening pushed back to September 2019.

Cllr Helen Pollard asked why there had been such a delay in the opening.

Cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport, Cllr Oliver Lewis, said when the 60-year-old building was stripped a lot of asbestos was found which has added time onto the works.

“There were complexities that were different from what initial surveys had indicated, that is why the time frame has been a bit longer than we thought,” he added.

The project has faced criticism for the decision to rename the Arnhem Gallery, but the name will actually now be kept in a renamed foyer.

Mr Chandler announced that the new venue room is expected to be renamed the Croydon Rec.

He said: “The Croydon Rec is the name of the new live music venue, recreational because it is there for people to enjoy their recreational time.

“It is going ot be a great space. It was called the Arnhem Gallery, which wasn’t a gallery.

“We will be keeping the Arnhem name and moving it to the foyer which is the heart of the building which is about the community of Corydon, so it is the absolutely perfect space for the name Arnhem.

“And that foyer won;t be a windy old foyer with the wind whistling through the doors because we have two sets of doors to make sure it is nice and comfortable just as the Claude Ballroom is at the Southbank Centre.”

Cllr Lewis said that a ceremony with dignitaries from Croydon and Arnhem will take place in October 2019.

It will see performers from both towns and the unveiling of a plaque.

But Cllr Joy Prince urged BH Live to reconsider the changed name.

“Could I beg you to reconsider Croydon Rec?” She said.

“To me it sounds like w r e c k and even if it does appear in people’s minds as r e c they think of it as a recreation ground.

“A rec is a small park or a dead ship I really don’t feel that it is appropriate for any part of the Fairfield Halls.”

Mr Chandler thanked Cllr Prince for her comment and said he would take it back to the team.

He added that the room would be transformed into an ice rink and skating rink at some points in the year when live music isn’t happening.

“So it will be more than a live music venue and both of those activities can take place in small parks,” he added.

The website for the new Fairfield Halls will be launched on January 16 which will be the first chance to see the programme of events.