NORWICH’S HISTORIC HALLS SET FOR MAJOR REFURB

[THE HALLS in Norwich is set to benefit from improvements to create an iconic venue which is an active and dynamic cultural centre in the city.

The Halls (pictured) is a multi-use cultural venue owned and run by Norwich City Council, and a Grade One-listed ancient monument. The complex comprises St Andrew’s Hall and Blackfriars’ Hall – former friary church and convent buildings. The buildings passed into public ownership during the Reformation in 1538 and form the most intact medieval friary in England in secular use.

The venue has been used regularly for civic events since 1544, when the first mayor’s feast was held for the inauguration of Henry Fuller. Today, the venue is used for conferences, weddings, concerts and meetings, with different halls available to hire.

Following Norwich City Council’s successful bid for Town Deal funding in 2020, the project to upgrade The Halls received £3.6m.

In March a survey found that urgent works need to be carried out on St Andrew’s and Blackfriars’ Halls within 24 months or they could face closure.

Upgrades to the venue will be achieved by investing in the facilities, including audio-visual equipment and lighting, a major redesign to improve flow and accessibility, a revamp of the outside space and an enhanced café and bar offer.

Essential structural work will also be completed alongside the refurbishment project. They include work to the roof, stained glass windows and secondary glazing in St Andrew’s Hall.

A spokesperson for Norwich City Council said: “The Halls is a hugely important and unique heritage building that contributes so much to the fantastic cultural offer we have in Norwich. By carrying out these upgrades, we’re excited about the potential to create an iconic venue that will host community and cultural events for many years to come.

“We look forward to sharing our plans in more detail later in the year and will be keeping everyone that makes use of The Halls up to date as the project progresses.” q