WEYMOUTH could get top shows and stars at affordable prices if outside management is brought in to run the Pavilion complex.

The theatre, security, maintenance, cleaning, catering and the World Heritage Centre are all being looked at either individually or for an overall management contract.

A report to tomorrow's Weymouth and Portland management committee says the council has already been approached by outside management companies.

They could have a crucial input on the design of the new complex.

The report says: 'Although the new venue will not open until at least 2011, new managers need to be appointed as soon as possible as they would want to influence the design of the building.

'This is due to, among other things, the technical requirements of theatrical productions, programmes and marketing, all of which may be impacted by the design such as stage lighting, sound, décor and general ambience.' Members will be told that internal Pavilion management is also still an option.

The meeting is being recommended to back an integrated business plan, part of which - crucial finance information - is not being made public. But the report says that even 'using fairly prudent assumptions' the venue will be 'financially viable'.

It adds: 'The exercise clearly demonstrated the financial significance of the catering operations, in particular the stand-alone restaurant-café... 'In the case of the theatre, the potential for increasing business with an improved mix of shows, bigger audiences, plus the spin-off for bar and catering sales, is significant. Average seat sales of only 50 per cent of capacity have been incorporated with prices kept relatively low.

'There is clear potential for the venue to achieve an overall surplus.' The plan also allows for weddings and banquets in the community space.

Catering standards would be improved and there would be an increased arts and culture content designed to respond to the needs of changing resident and visitor markets.

There would be aggressive marketing to maximise use and to develop the facility as a community focal point with education a focus in the World Heritage Centre.