Social enterprise
The Phoenix was due to close in the summer of 2009 and be replaced by a new building, Phoenix Square, in the Cultural Quarter of the city. However, local musician Julian Wright campaigned successfully in stopping Leicester City Council from selling the site. In June 2009, the Council asked for bids from arts groups for a five-year lease. Under the terms of the lease the showing of films and professional theatre productions would not be permitted, as they might compete with Phoenix Square and Leicester's new Curve Theatre respectively. The winning bid, announced on 12 November, was made by a group comprising Leicester College and four local music promoters. Social enterprise organisation Leicester Stride, a major element in one of the other bids, has been invited to play a part in the centre's future.