King George’s Hall £9m refurb takes a step forward

A new planning application has been submitted for the final phase of the £9 million refurbishment of Blackburn’s King George’s Hall.

Government funding was secured in 2023 for the large-scale refurbishment works at the 104-year-old listed building.

While phase one works were completed last summer, this latest planning application is for part of second phase of works there – looking to secure permission for all the planned modernisation to the building.

Included in this final planning application are internal alterations and enhancements including major renovation of the bar areas, toilets and flooring, as well as improvements to the building’s heating and ventilation system.

Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Executive Member for Growth and Development at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:

“Like many historic buildings, King George’s Hall is in need of repairs and upgrades both internally and externally. We were thrilled to secure £20m of new government funding to invest in the building and cultural venues across the town centre.

“While £9 million sounds a lot of money though, it’s a relatively modest budget to renovate a listed building of King George’s Hall’s size. However, we’re working hard to spend the budget wisely, managing the cost of closure and getting value for money throughout the refurbishment project.

“Phase one works took place last summer and included replacement and improvement of waterproof systems as well as internal exploratory works to inform the next phase.

“The building has been closed since January and fully stripped out before being handed over to contractors Conlon. Phase two works will begin in earnest in April, which is when passers-by will notice external construction works taking place.

“It’s certainly an exciting time in the building’s 104-year history, and we’re already looking forward to its grand reopening in 2026.”

The first works people will notice will be preparations for roof works, with scaffolding erected around the building on Northgate in the coming weeks.

First opened in 1921, King George’s Hall is the jewel in the crown of Blackburn’s new £50million Cultural Quarter.

Retaining the Grade II listed building’s character and charm is at the forefront of the renovations, while making the venue fit for the future.

With the high street and town centres evolving, the shift towards regeneration through culture is a key part of the council’s ambitious £1bn growth plan – recently boosted by £20m of new government funding.

This will bring much-needed investment in:

• King George’s Hall
• Tony’s Empress Ballroom – the historic dance hall with famous connections to the Northern Soul movement
• The Exchange – an iconic Grade II-listed building, best remembered as the old cinema, now home to groundbreaking art installations and the international adidas Spezial exhibition
• Imperial Mill – a grand former cotton mill, recently acquired by the council to help safeguard its future
• The Making Rooms – with a planning application already submitted to double it in size

Councillor Mahmood added:

“We’re incredibly proud of our rich culture and historic buildings.

“Blackburn with Darwen is also renowned for partnership working, and some of the best examples can be seen in how we’re regenerating our towns through culture – a real team effort that is truly making a difference.

“This new funding will provide a fantastic boost, delivering benefits for our towns and our communities.”

King George’s Hall audiences and followers can keep in touch with the venue during its closure on social media:

• King George’s Hall on Facebook
• @KingGeorgesHall on X
• @kinggeorgesblackburn on Instagram

Regular updates about the renovations, including a look behind the scenes, will be shared on these channels.