28 JUNE 2007:  WHEN Harrogate Borough Council began an £8m restoration of the Royal Hall it was thought that this budget would bring just a partial restoration to protect the fabric of the building and that a full restoration couldn't be achieved within the money available.

 

The good news is that this innovative 'partnering contract' between Harrogate Borough Council and the main contractor HBG has been so well managed that all deferred works have now been added.  And the fund-raising by the Royal Hall Restoration Trust has exceeded everyone's expectations.  The Trust has provided for all the "soft" furnishings such as the magnificent decoration of the auditorium ceiling, drapes, carpets, restored stained glass, new seating and furniture.

 

The only stumbling block now to a fully restored and fully opened building is the replacement of the shabby pre-cast concrete steps leading up to the front door of this magnificent Grade II* listed building.

 

Harrogate Borough Council's Cabinet is expected to agree on Wednesday, 4 July to fund a further £95,000 of contract work to replace the existing front steps, which are not original.

 

Council Leader, Councillor Mike Gardner, said:  "The building will be truly outstanding and there is little doubt it will become a tourist attraction in its own right.  Replacement of the front steps was never envisaged from the outset, as the building was never expected to reach such a high standard of restoration.  Nor did we ever believe that we would be able to fully re-open it. 

 

"We have a building with a Royal heritage and we want one that will give a majestic welcome to the many thousands of visitors we hope to receive in the coming years.  How could we do that with a set of concrete and unoriginal steps?  There is a good Yorkshire saying 'don't spoil the ship for a ha'p'orth of tar '.  I am therefore happy to recommend that we find the extra £95,000 and provide a new set of stone steps fully in keeping with the Royal Hall's period and prestigious restoration."   ENDS

 

NOTE TO EDITORS:  The core £8m contract has achieved the following:

 

 

The Royal Hall Restoration Trust funds of £2.2m have so far enabled the following to be done:

 

 

"As a Grade II* listed building, the Royal Hall is one of the top 6% of listed buildings in the country.  The Royal Hall will re-open to the public in April 2008.

 

The £8m contract was funded with a grant of £6m from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £2m from Harrogate Borough Council.

 

The Heritage Lottery Fund enables communities to celebrate, look after and learn more about our diverse heritage.  From our great museums and historic buildings to local parks and beauty spots or recording and celebrating traditions, customs and history, HLF grants open up our nation's heritage for everyone to enjoy. They have supported more than 15,000 projects, allocating over £3billion across the UK.