Published Friday 2 August 2024 at 10:45
Works are underway to renovate Blackburn’s King George’s Hall, using £8m of government funding.
Preparatory works have already begun at the 103-year-old Grade II listed building in the heart of Blackburn’s £50million Cultural Quarter.
From Monday 5 August, work will begin in the yard to the left of the building to widen the entrance, making vehicle access easier. A brick wall will be removed, and gateway pillars will be relocated and a new gate installed.
In coming weeks, further works in the boiler house will take place, including replacement of the flat roof. These works will be completed by the end of September.
No road closures are needed during these works.
The first phase will also include exploratory works which will inform future phases which will involve the building’s heating, lighting and ventilation systems along with internal improvements and enhancements
Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, explained:
Blackburn with Darwen successfully secured £20million of funding under the last government, which is a significant investment to support our town centre growth priorities.
We were delighted to receive £8million specifically for King George’s Hall, the jewel in the crown of Blackburn’s cultural quarter and a venue that many people, from the borough and beyond, feel a strong connection to.
Like many historic buildings, King George’s Hall is in desperate need of repairs and upgrades, both internally and externally. Retaining the building’s character and charm is at the forefront of the renovations, while making the venue fit for a prosperous future.
Martin Eden, Strategic Director for Environment & Communities, commented:
The summer is generally a quieter time for King George’s Hall, so we’ve scheduled phase one of the works during this period to minimise disruption to audiences, performers and agents.
The venue will be open for the busy autumn season and into the festive period which means that panto fans will not be disappointed as the popular annual panto production will be back as usual in December – this year it’s the fairytale classic Cinderella.
Councillor Riley continued:
Future phases will see renovation of the bar areas, seating, toilets and improvements to the heating and ventilation systems, which we know King George’s Hall audiences are keen to see.