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The management company which has increased visitor numbers to Cromer’s Pavilion Theatre looks set to have its contract extended.

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Openwide Coastal has been running the end of the pier venue, along with Tides restaurant and Footprints gift shop since 2001.

Its contract was due to finish next November but North Norfolk District Council, which owns the popular seaside attraction, wants the company to stay on for a further five years.

In a report due to be discussed by members at a cabinet meeting next Monday the council praised Openwide for its investments in the pier and for boosting visitor numbers.

The report adds: “The Seaside Special show has received national recognition and remains the country’s last existing ‘End of the Pier Show’ with a full summer season. The contractor also programmes a large number of concerts throughout the year, which attracts a diverse audience.”

Figures also show Openwide has increased ticket sales by 8pc this year while Tides’s income has gone up by 40pc and Footprints by 20pc.

Councillors will have three options to consider during the meeting; furthering the current contract, putting it out to tender or advertising the theatre on a leasehold arrangement, and are recommended to agree to extend Openwide’s contract.