Councillors have approved an additional £920,000 in funding for the ongoing multi-million-pound restoration of The Halls in Norwich, bringing the total repair costs to £7.8m.
The Grade I listed buildings—St Andrews and Blackfriars Halls—were closed in early 2023 for £6.9m worth of essential repairs.
The project aimed to restore the venue’s roof and windows while upgrading its facilities as an arts and events space, including new audio-visual equipment and modern lighting.
However, a recent structural survey uncovered further deterioration in the 14th-century timber roof, caused by moisture trapped by plastic sheeting installed nearly a century ago.
The Labour-run Norwich City Council has now allocated additional funds to reinforce the roof and upgrade electrical systems to prevent further decay.
Originally a Dominican priory and convent, The Halls are part of the Norwich 12—a collection of the city’s most historically significant buildings spanning 1,000 years.
The project is being funded through a mix of local and national grants, with £3.6m from the government’s Town Deal Fund and £500,000 from Arts Council England. Norwich City Council is covering the remaining costs.
The venue, which has a 1,000-person capacity, was originally set to reopen in April 2024, but councillors now expect the work to push that date further into the year.
Councillor Claire Kidman expressed confidence in the venue’s future, stating, “Once open, the newly refurbished Halls will be one of the most iconic venues in East England and further bolster the city’s status as one of Europe’s most go-to historic and cultural destinations.”
The additional repairs aim to preserve one of Norwich’s most treasured landmarks, ensuring it remains a thriving hub for arts and culture for generations to come.
