23/11/2007
Ulster Hall's Opulence And Character Enhanced In Refit
Work on the £7.4 million Ulster Hall refurbishment is progressing well.
The major renovations which began in April seek to transform the Ulster Hall into a state-of-the-art multi-purpose venue while retaining, and in many cases restoring, the architecture, décor, opulence and character of the original William Barre design.
Based on drawings of his, still in existence today, a section of wall and ceiling has been painted in Barre's prosposed colour scheme that for financial reason's was never realised.
The mustard green and bright blue are being replaced with subtle light blue, grey and white tones. It will be finished with a detailed moulding complete with gold leaf gilding.
"We want as far as possible to go back to Barre's original vision," said the principle Consarc Design architect Dawson Stelfox.
Paintings Originally commissioned for the Hall in 1902, of Belfast by celebrated local artist, Joseph Carey, are being carefully restored as is the Mulholland grand organ.
Further improvements in progress include new stage lighting systems, upgraded heating systems and toilet facilities, while there will also be a major upgrading of the artist dressing rooms, the larger of which will also serve as education suites for schools and community groups.
Metal balustrades on the balcony will be restored and swivel seats installed to afford better views of the stage and floor.
Asbestos is being removed and work will continue for the next year, with the grand reopening scheduled for December 2008.
The Ulster Hall has played host to an amazing variety of artistes and famous names ranging from Henry Irving, Charles Dickens, Billy Connolly, Led Zepplin and the Rolling Stones to the likes of Motorhead, U2 and Edward, Prince of Wales since it was built in 1862.
(GK/JM)
The major renovations which began in April seek to transform the Ulster Hall into a state-of-the-art multi-purpose venue while retaining, and in many cases restoring, the architecture, décor, opulence and character of the original William Barre design.
Based on drawings of his, still in existence today, a section of wall and ceiling has been painted in Barre's prosposed colour scheme that for financial reason's was never realised.
The mustard green and bright blue are being replaced with subtle light blue, grey and white tones. It will be finished with a detailed moulding complete with gold leaf gilding.
"We want as far as possible to go back to Barre's original vision," said the principle Consarc Design architect Dawson Stelfox.
Paintings Originally commissioned for the Hall in 1902, of Belfast by celebrated local artist, Joseph Carey, are being carefully restored as is the Mulholland grand organ.
Further improvements in progress include new stage lighting systems, upgraded heating systems and toilet facilities, while there will also be a major upgrading of the artist dressing rooms, the larger of which will also serve as education suites for schools and community groups.
Metal balustrades on the balcony will be restored and swivel seats installed to afford better views of the stage and floor.
Asbestos is being removed and work will continue for the next year, with the grand reopening scheduled for December 2008.
The Ulster Hall has played host to an amazing variety of artistes and famous names ranging from Henry Irving, Charles Dickens, Billy Connolly, Led Zepplin and the Rolling Stones to the likes of Motorhead, U2 and Edward, Prince of Wales since it was built in 1862.
(GK/JM)
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27 February 2009
Belfast's Bumper £500m Development Year
This year has been described as a momentous period for Belfast with ₤500m worth of developments unveiled, including a number of landmark buildings opening their doors to the public again following extensive refurbishments.
Belfast's Bumper £500m Development Year
This year has been described as a momentous period for Belfast with ₤500m worth of developments unveiled, including a number of landmark buildings opening their doors to the public again following extensive refurbishments.
13 July 2018
Orange Hall Attack Being Treated As A 'Hate Crime'
Police are treating an attack on an Orange Hall in Crumlin, Co Antrim, as a hate crime. The PSNI received a report that a bin was on fire in the Main Street area of the town at around 4.30am on Thursday, 12 July. Graffiti was daubed on a wall and door of the memorial hall. Police are appealing to anyone with information to contact them.
Orange Hall Attack Being Treated As A 'Hate Crime'
Police are treating an attack on an Orange Hall in Crumlin, Co Antrim, as a hate crime. The PSNI received a report that a bin was on fire in the Main Street area of the town at around 4.30am on Thursday, 12 July. Graffiti was daubed on a wall and door of the memorial hall. Police are appealing to anyone with information to contact them.
01 July 2019
SF Mayor Lays Wreath At Somme Commemoration
Lord Mayor of Belfast John Finucane has laid a wreath to commemorate all those killed in the Battle of the Somme. The Sinn Fein councillor attended the ceremony at the Cenotaph at City Hall early this morning, Monday 01 July.
SF Mayor Lays Wreath At Somme Commemoration
Lord Mayor of Belfast John Finucane has laid a wreath to commemorate all those killed in the Battle of the Somme. The Sinn Fein councillor attended the ceremony at the Cenotaph at City Hall early this morning, Monday 01 July.
25 February 2013
Four Day St Patrick's Festival Announced
Former X Factor star Amelia Lily is set to preform at this year's St Patrick's Day concert in Belfast, part of a four-day bumper festival. The annual celebrations, organised by Belfast City Council, have been extended and will run from Friday, March 15 – Monday, March 18 with the parade and concert at Custom House Square on St Patrick`s Day itself.
Four Day St Patrick's Festival Announced
Former X Factor star Amelia Lily is set to preform at this year's St Patrick's Day concert in Belfast, part of a four-day bumper festival. The annual celebrations, organised by Belfast City Council, have been extended and will run from Friday, March 15 – Monday, March 18 with the parade and concert at Custom House Square on St Patrick`s Day itself.
23 February 2009
Ulster Hall Ready To Rock
The historic Ulster Hall, which first opened its doors in 1859 and was designed by William J Barre, the man whose architectural portfolio also includes Belfast's landmark Albert Clock is ready to rock again. A refit and redecoration has been carried out on the Bedford Street building over the past two years with final touches added this week.
Ulster Hall Ready To Rock
The historic Ulster Hall, which first opened its doors in 1859 and was designed by William J Barre, the man whose architectural portfolio also includes Belfast's landmark Albert Clock is ready to rock again. A refit and redecoration has been carried out on the Bedford Street building over the past two years with final touches added this week.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.