While the Kaiser Chiefs and The Zutons grace the stage at Southampton Guildhall in the next few weeks, councillors say the big stars are just not attracted to Portsmouth.

But that could all change as the council looks to revamp the venue.

Local music expert Steve Pitt, who attracts bands to The Cellars in Eastney, said it was the right thing to do.

'It's not so much about the building, but the desire to put Portsmouth on the map as a quality destination for touring artists,' he said. 'The potential of Portsmouth Guildhall is massive. We need to bring it more up-to-date.

'It's time for a fresh look at it. The sky is the limit and we want the biggest names in the country there.

'Why can't the Kaiser Chiefs play at Portsmouth Guildhall? There has not been enough drive and our aspiration has to be to rival Liverpool, Manchester and London.'

Portsmouth City Council has decided not to renew the management contract held by DC Leisure.

Council leader Gerald Vernon-Jackson said he wanted the council to run the Guildhall to make better use of the facilities.

He has floated ideas for a second entertainment venue inside as well as a revamp.

'I said last year I wanted it to be managed in-house and I think it should be,' he said. 'When things go wrong with the Guildhall people think it is the council that runs it anyway, and this way we would be in a position to do something.'

The council will draw up options for the Guildhall's future over the next few months. A building condition survey will be carried out with a report going to councillors in January.

But with the contract ending next April, political opponents have accused the council's Lib Dem leadership of making the move without a clear strategy.

Tory leader Steve Wemyss said: 'It's just dithering about without a clear indication of which direction they are going in.'

Tim Hewett, business director at DC Leisure, said: 'I met with the council on Monday and we were asked to give them proposals about our management of the Guildhall for another year.

'We haven't been told anything else.'