Refurbishment finished on Hall

A REFURBISHMENT project at Beccles' premier entertainment venue has now been completed after six years.

Beccles Public Hall, in Smallgate, has undergone various alterations since 2003, but now the final phase of the refurbishments has been completed.

The Hall dates back 300 years, and the project has been an attempt to modernise the facility and make it more appealing for a wide range of community groups.

The final phase, which cost approximately �15,000 and commenced about two years ago, included painting the walls white with gold detailing, carpeting the floor, installing new flooring for the kitchen, and putting in a new fire alarm system and a new boiler.

The Hall's manager, Gary Hines, is now imploring more people to make use of the facility.

“It was in a pretty dire state before but we've got a good all round venue for the town now,” said Mr Hines. “It's the premier entertainment venue in the town but it's underused at the moment, especially on weekdays during the day. It's seen as just a community hall but it offers so much more than that.

“It now offers greater comfort and the overall appeal has now been improved. The charm's been put back.”

Initial work started on the Hall back in 2003, when dressing rooms and a kitchen were added to the building, with further alterations made to the general lay out.

The whole project is thought to have cost a six-figure sum, although Waveney District Council, which manages the facility, would not confirm this. The work was undertaken by Waveney District Council operational staff.

Mr Hines said that the Hall will now be putting on its own nights, which could include local band events, comedy nights, and “fight nights,” which might include cage fighting and wrestling.

The Hall will be hosting Spotlight Theatre's performance of Sweeney Todd, which will run from June 23 to 27, as well as an art exhibition at the beginning of August.