Venue Cost Soars: £4.5M Extra for Historic Hall

Blackburn with Darwen councillors have approved a substantial £4.5 million increase in the refurbishment costs for the esteemed King George's Hall, raising the total project expense from £9 million to £13.5 million. This decision, which represents a 50% hike in the original budget, has been publicly defended by Council Leader Phil Riley.

Riley stated that undertaking the work properly necessitates this additional investment, emphasizing that halting the project midway would be illogical. The iconic, 104-year-old venue, which has a rich history of hosting major performers and is a Grade II heritage-listed building, is anticipated to reopen its doors next autumn.

The extra funds will facilitate essential upgrades, including complete re-wiring in the main Concert Hall and Windsor Suite, installation of new high-specification lighting for the lifts, and improvements to Akbar's restaurant. Furthermore, the investment will cover the replacement of gas and water pipes, ensuring the building's long-term viability and future-proofing this significant cultural asset for the borough.