Refurbished halls to reopen after delays

A historical building beset with delays and increased costs during a £7.8m refurbishment is set to reopen, two years after work began.

St Andrew's Hall and Blackfriars' Hall, known as The Halls, in Norwich, closed for major repairs at the beginning of 2024. They were initially due to reopen in early 2025, but the date was pushed back again.

The city council has now confirmed the finishing touches were being made to the 14th Century site ahead of it staging its first live performances in March.

"I think we've struck that fine balance between restoring and repairing it, bringing it up to date as a revitalised cultural hub, but also retaining its heritage," said Claire Kidman, the cabinet member for culture.

Work on the Grade I Listed building, used for public events since 1544, was regarded as essential after a survey found its walls and roof could face "complete failure".

The project was initially estimated to cost £2.8m, but rose by a further £5m, with just under half covered by the council.

It also received £3.6m from the government and £500,000 from Arts Council England.

The restoration was mired in controversy in September when a public row broke out over who should run the venue, with the council ultimately taking on the responsibility.

Kidman told BBC Radio Norfolk's Kayleigh Poacher that the job had been "pretty enormous", including a restored roof and a renovated stained glass window.

"We've also got cutting edge AV [audio-visual] equipment, improved lighting, better accessibility, and all sorts of other things like smoother flow through the building, a refreshed bar, improved front of house areas," she said.

"It looks bigger somehow, walking down the cloisters corridor it just feels wider, and brighter and lighter, and the roof in Blackfriars is absolutely stunning.

"I think people will go in and fall in love with it again."

Norwich Philharmonic and UEA Symphony orchestras would be the first to use The Halls in March, Kidman added, followed by a full calendar of cultural and community events.

It will be a venue for the Norfolk and Norwich Festival in May, with The Halls' October mainstay, Norwich Beer Festival, expected to return for the first time since 2023.

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