One of the grandest ceilings in the country is getting some much-needed TLC to futureproof its heritage for residents and visitors.
For the first time in more than 70 years, the ceiling in our famous Great Hall is being lovingly restored by a team of specialists. They are scouring every inch of the barrel-vaulted ceiling to identify and remove loose paint work, check the plaster is in good condition, carry out remedial works and re-paint any areas which need some additional attention.
As one of the most iconic buildings in the world, St George’s Hall is a focal point for heritage and the essential works will ensure it remains the jewel in the city’s crown and a venue residents can continue to be proud of.
Hankinson Group – a specialist conservation company based in Birkenhead – has a team dedicated to scaling the 82-feet in order for them to work on the 145-feet-long, 72-feet-wide ceiling. The restoration is expected to be completed by the end of May and is costing around £250,000 – using city council ring-fenced funding designated for improvement works at the Hall.
Despite the ongoing work, the rest of the Grade I listed building remains open to visitors. To find out more about what’s going on at the Hall, or to book tickets for The History Whisperer experience, visit our dedicated page here.
Reaction
Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:
“St George’s Hall is a much-loved city gem which attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year including tourists, those attending events and those couples and their guests celebrating a marriage or civil partnership.
“With any building of this age, it’s inevitable areas are going to need a facelift or renovation work, and it’s imperative we take action as soon as possible to remedy the issues and ensure the Hall is in impeccable condition.
“This work really is an investment in the Hall’s future – we want it to look its best so that we can continue to attract events and activities to the venue, the money from which will be reinvested in the Hall.
Head of Heritage, Development and Preservation, Alan Smith, said:
“This work currently being undertaken at the Hall sums up what my job is all about – championing and protecting key historic assets which help us celebrate the city’s heritage sector to a wider audience.
“I’ve spent a huge amount of time over the past decade transforming St George’s Hall into a major event space and wedding venue – and quite simply, people come to the venue because of how it looks. I’m biased, but there really isn’t anything out there that compares to what we have on offer, and as a result we can’t ignore it when restoration work needs to take place.
“I’m delighted this project is under way and we can ensure the Hall maintains its world class standing.”
“I look forward to seeing the final results and to the doors reopening to this stunning room once again.”