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ESSENTIAL WORKS TO FUTUREPROOF CITY GEM
One of the grandest ceilings in the country is getting some much-needed TLC to futureproof its heritage for residents and visitors .
For the first time in more than 70 years , the ceiling in Liverpool ’ s St George ’ s Hall ’ s Great Hall is being lovingly restored by a team of specialists . They are scouring every inch of the barrel-vaulted ceiling to identify and remove loose paint work , check the plaster is in good condition , carry out remedial works and re-paint any areas which need some additional attention .
As one of the most iconic buildings in the world , St George ’ s Hall is a focal point for heritage and the essential works will ensure it remains the jewel in the city ’ s crown and a venue residents can continue to be proud of .
Hankinson Group – a specialist conservation company based in Birkenhead – has a team dedicated to scaling the 82-feet in order for them to work on the 145-feet-long , 72-feet-wide ceiling . The restoration is expected to be completed by the end of May and is costing around £ 250,000 – using city council ring-fenced funding designated for improvement works at the Hall .
Despite the ongoing work , the rest of the Grade I listed building remains open to visitors . To find out more about what ’ s going on at the Hall , or to book tickets for The History Whisperer experience , visit https :// www . stgeorgeshallliverpool . co . uk /.
Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy , Councillor Harry Doyle , said : “ St George ’ s Hall is a much-loved city gem which attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year including tourists , those attending events and those couples and their guests celebrating a marriage or civil partnership .
“ With any building of this age , it ’ s inevitable areas are going to need a facelift or renovation work , and it ’ s imperative we take action as soon as possible to remedy the issues and ensure the Hall is in impeccable condition .
" This work really is an investment in the Hall ’ s future – we want it to look its best so that we can continue to attract events and activities to the venue , the money from which will be reinvested in the Hall . I look forward to seeing the final results and to the doors reopening to this stunning room once again .”
Head of Heritage , Development and Preservation , Alan Smith , said : “ This work currently being undertaken at the Hall sums up what my job is all about – championing and protecting key historic assets which help us celebrate the city ’ s heritage sector to a wider audience .
" I ’ ve spent a huge amount of time over the past decade transforming St George ’ s Hall into a major event space and wedding venue – and quite simply , people come to the venue because of how it looks . I ’ m biased , but there really isn ’ t anything out there that compares to what we have on offer , and as a result we can ’ t ignore it when restoration work needs to take place .
“ I ’ m delighted this project is under way and we can ensure the Hall maintains its world class standing .” merseylife . com 27