The capital project will include a complete re-fit and redecoration of the main hall, while the newly restored and refurbished building will become the new home of the Ulster Orchestra. The total cost of the restoration and refurbishment capital project will be £7.43million. The cost is being funded by Belfast City Council through its Capital Funding Programme and partnership funding from the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure, Heritage Lottery Fund, Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Environment and Heritage Service.

The Ulster Orchestra will take the tenancy of two new floors where their administrative headquarters will be located, while the foyer will house the Ulster Orchestra Box Office. There will be a complete refurbishment of the artist dressing rooms, the larger of which will also serve as education suites for schools and community groups. In the main hall there will be new (removable) seating on the ground floor, while the original metal balustrade on the balconies will be restored. Closed since the 1980`s, the windows will be once again re-opened. Further improvements will include new stage lighting systems and upgraded heating systems and toilet facilities.Originally commissioned for the Ulster Hall in 1902, Joseph Carey`s historic paintings of Belfast are being carefully restored and will once again adorn its walls, while a series of interpretative displays will promote the civic and cultural history of the building

Arts Minister, Edwin Poots, said: “The refurbishment of the Ulster Hall will preserve one of Belfast`s most notable and irreplaceable architectural assets and will breathe life back into a unique, much loved venue which has supported a wide range of arts and cultural events over the years. It is further evidence of Government`s strategy of encouraging arts and culture to lead the way in Belfast`s social and economic regeneration. When completed it will improve the cultural provision throughout the city and enhance the quality of life for the people of Belfast.” The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Jim Rodgers, said: “The `new` Ulster Hall is going to benefit from a dramatic upgrade, bringing with it more and better facilities, more space, higher technology, greater comfort and an improved quality of experience. While this capital project will transform the Ulster Hall into a modern, customer friendly multi-purpose building, great care will be taken to both retain its unique character and to restore the original architecture and décor.”

Heritage Lottery Fund Regional Manager Paul Mullan commented: “The Ulster Hall has played host to some fantastic artists and memorable events over the years and played a significant role in the life of Belfast and Northern Ireland. This funding will bring the building back into use by restoring important historical features and opening its doors to a wider variety of events and audiences than ever before.` Lorraine McDowell, Director of Operations at the Arts Council, said: “The Ulster Hall is a singular place which will hold special memories for most people living in and around Belfast. The refurbishment will give this great historic music hall a whole new lease of life and will encourage many more people to come along and experience its unique atmosphere.” Brian McKervey, Assistant Director of Built Heritage at the Environment and Heritage Service, added: “In line with its current policy to assist with the protection of listed buildings, EHS has offered a grant of £237,370.00 towards the overall restoration of this grade B1 listed building. This grant-aid will assist with the repair of original historic fabric.”

Welcoming the plans for the Ulster Hall, the Ulster Orchestra`s Chief Executive, David Byers, said he was delighted and excited by the enhancement of Belfast City Council`s relationship with the Orchestra. “In addition to our concerts which are so important to the city`s cultural tourism goals, this will allow us to work ever more closely with the Council through schools concerts and education and outreach schemes, developing and expanding public access to the Orchestra and to the Hall.”

The Ulster Hall will remain closed to the general public during the period of restoration and refurbishment, with the re-opening scheduled for late 2008. The Ulster Hall first opened in 1862 and was purchased by Belfast City Council (then the Belfast Corporation) in 1902 for £13,500

Ulster Hall Refurbishment - Fact sheet