Audiences surge by 17pc after £9.8m revamp of city ‘people’s palace’
ONE OF Yorkshire’s historic venues has witnessed a surge in the number of visitors since a multimillion pound restoration was completed almost a year ago.
Official figures have revealed that 62,000 have visited St George’s Hall in Bradford since the concert hall’s £9.8m revamp was finished in February last year.
That is 9,000 – or 17 per cent – up on the previous year. The restoration of the 1,350-seat venue was carried out with funding from Bradford Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The council’s executive member for healthy people and places, Coun Sarah Ferriby, said: “We can all agree that the restoration and refurbishment of our splendid St George’s Hall has been a great success.
“We have a packed programme of amazing shows, concerts and events for this year and the heritage activities are another great way for people to really connect with the building. It is no surprise that visitor numbers are up as it truly is the people’s palace.”
The renovation scheme saw major works to the roof, windows,
electrics and stonework, while the front-of-house areas have been increased and new seats installed in the auditorium. The venue’s rich history has been captured in displays that weave along all four levels, showcasing key events from the official opening in 1853 to major concerts of the 1970s and 1980s.
There are now 200 archive items, tickets and signed posters on display alongside objects found during the renovations, including The Daily Express newspaper from 1928, sweet wrappers and an array of cigarette packets.