Here is a copy of the official press release from St Georges
St George's Hall closed until the New Year. - 29/09/03
Bradford’s St George’s Hall will be closed until the New Year while essential safety work is carried out.
Cracks appeared in the ornate plasterwork ceiling of the 150-year-old building prompting Council bosses to shut the Hall last week so a full assessment could be carried out.
Following that it has now been decided to postpone all events for the rest of the year while urgent repair work takes place.
Some of the top shows, which will have to be re-arranged, include Def Leppard; Status Quo; Michael Ball; Ken Dodd; Jools Holland and The Saw Doctors.
The Hall closed a week ago for specialists to carry out a full assessment of the situation and an expert ceiling company will now be called in to repair the damaged plaster.
First scaffolding needs to be erected in the 80-foot high auditorium. That will take at least two weeks and the ceiling repairs will take a further four to six weeks.
Jane Glaister, Bradford Council’s Director of Arts, Heritage and Leisure, said: “We are sorry we have to disappoint people by re-arranging shows but public safety must come first.
“We are working with promoters to find alternative venues in the district, where appropriate, and the Hall should re-open with a Halle concert on January 4.
“Anyone who has tickets for shows between now and then will be contacted by phone, letter or e-mail and offered a full refund or an alternative date at another venue. There is no need to contact us.”
Coun Anne Hawkesworth, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for the Environment, said: “St George’s Hall is a marvellous building but it is 150 years old. We have decided to do this work before the situation gets any worse and it becomes unsafe. The Hall is part of the district’s heritage and we want to preserve it so it can be enjoyed by the people of the district for many more years to come.”
St George’s Hall underwent a £2 million refurbishment in 1984 when front of house areas were improved, the stage was extended and reinforced and toilets for the disabled were installed. Since then regular maintenance has been carried out.
The box office and the open house for senior citizens will not be affected as work is only being done in the main auditorium.
For more information contact the Stage Manager who's address is on
www.bradford-theatres.gov.uk