King George's Hall renovation work to start in July

Work is due to start on a £8m renovation of a historic performance venue in July.

Opened in 1921, the Grade II listed King George's Hall in Blackburn will temporarily close on 8 July for the renovations.

The revamp will be funded by £8 million from the government’s Levelling Up department.

The hall is thought to be in a "poor condition" with damp.

Councillor Quesir Mahmood, who is responsible for growth and development at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said the “roofs require urgent replacement” and the work would prevent “further deterioration of this heritage asset”.

Musicians such as The Beatles, Queen and David Bowie have performed at the venue.

Councillor Mahmood said: “If the property is left to deteriorate, further costly refurbishment work will be required.”

Workers will remove asbestos and strip the building’s interior this summer, before improvements continue in August.

While its foundation stone was laid by King George V in 1913, construction was paused during World War One, when the building was used as a Red Cross hospital.

It was formally opened in October 1921 and was last extensively renovated in 1994.

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