Blackburn’s iconic King George’s Hall is set to undergo a major transformation as a £20m investment gets underway. The historic venue, which has hosted some of the world’s most renowned acts, including Queen, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and David Bowie, will undergo a comprehensive refurbishment to restore it to its former glory.
The first phase of works, which begins on Monday, will focus on the yard to the left of the building, where the entrance will be widened to improve vehicle access. A brick wall will be removed, gateway pillars relocated, and a new gate installed. These works will be followed by further renovations in the boiler house, including the replacement of the flat roof, which was given planning approval in May.
The refurbishment is part of a larger £50m Cultural and Leisure Quarter development in Blackburn town centre, which aims to revitalize the area and bring new life to the town. The project is being funded by Blackburn with Darwen Council, which secured £20m of funding under the last government, with £8m specifically allocated for King George’s Hall.
Councillor Phil Riley, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “We are delighted to have secured this significant investment in King George’s Hall, which is a jewel in the crown of Blackburn’s cultural quarter. The venue has a special place in the hearts of many people in the borough and beyond, and we are committed to preserving its character and charm while making it fit for a prosperous future.”
The refurbishment will not only improve the venue’s infrastructure but also enhance the overall visitor experience. Future phases will include renovations to the bar areas, seating, toilets, and improvements to the heating and ventilation systems. The works are being carefully planned to minimize disruption to audiences, performers, and agents, with the venue remaining open for the busy autumn season and into the festive period.
Martin Eden, the council’s environment director, added: “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 minimize 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 classic fairytale Cinderella.”
The renovation of the Blakey Moor Terrace building opposite the hall is already complete and ready for prospective operators to view its flagship restaurant space. Other projects in Blackburn town centre financed by the government’s Levelling Up grants include the refurbishment of Tony’s Ballroom and the redevelopment of The Exchange Building.
However, the council’s town centre regeneration plans suffered a setback when the Ribblesdale Tap pub in Blakey Moor opposite King George’s Hall closed last month. The bar, which was open for just eight months, was located in a historic building formerly home to the Ribblesdale Hotel, Gladstone’s, and Baroque Bar.
Despite this setback, the council remains committed to its vision for a revitalized town centre. King George’s Hall, with its rich history and cultural significance, is a key part of this vision. The venue has hosted countless performances and events over the years, and the refurbishment will ensure it continues to thrive for generations to come.
The nearby Victoria Building of Blackburn College is also currently undergoing a £25m renovation and modernization, which will provide state-of-the-art facilities for students and the local community.
As the refurbishment of King George’s Hall gets underway, the town of Blackburn is eagerly anticipating the transformation of this iconic venue. With its rich history, cultural significance, and commitment to preserving its character and charm, King George’s Hall is set to remain a beloved institution in the heart of Blackburn for years to come.
The first phase of works will begin on Monday, focusing on the yard to the left of the building. Further renovations will take place in the boiler house, including the replacement of the flat roof. The venue will remain open for the busy autumn season and into the festive period. Future phases will include renovations to the bar areas, seating, toilets, and improvements to the heating and ventilation systems. The popular annual panto production will return in December, with this year’s production being the classic fairytale Cinderella.
King George’s Hall is a Grade II listed building and a significant part of Blackburn’s cultural heritage. The venue has hosted some of the world’s most renowned acts, including Queen, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and David Bowie. The hall is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, with a range of events and performances taking place throughout the year. The refurbishment will ensure the venue remains a beloved institution in the heart of Blackburn for years to come.
The refurbishment will create new job opportunities and stimulate local economic growth. The venue will remain open during the refurbishment, minimizing disruption to audiences, performers, and agents. The project will help to revitalize the town centre and bring new life to the area. The refurbishment will ensure the venue remains a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, supporting local businesses and contributing to the local economy.
The first phase of works is expected to take several months to complete, with further phases taking place over the next year. The venue will remain open throughout the refurbishment, with the popular annual panto production returning in December. The refurbishment is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, with the venue reopening in the spring of 2025.
The refurbishment of King George’s Hall is a significant investment in the town’s cultural heritage and a major boost for the local economy. The project will ensure the venue remains a beloved institution in the heart of Blackburn for years to come, providing a unique and memorable experience for audiences and performers alike.