08/05/2006

Grand Opera House shuts doors as rebuild progresses

The substantial development work ongoing at Belfast's landmark Grand Opera House has entailed the shutting of the venue until October.

The final show to be staged until the reopening of the building in October takes place tonight Monday May 8.

The listed Victorian building will then close to the public while work is carried out to connect the new building complex to the existing building on the ground and first floors.

The existing building will also receive some attention; the Circle Bar area is being stripped out and refurbished as a hospitality suite. Facilities added by the new building on the site of the adjacent area, previously used as a car park, will include improved access for people with disabilities to the new bar areas and toilets. The new building will also house an education studio and a third storey gallery bar.

In the back stage area a three storey wall at the rear of the stage area is to be removed to link to a new stage pocket providing a larger stage area.

Above the stage, new star dressing rooms and an administration suite are being added, bringing all the GOH staff under the same roof for the first time in many years.

The bulk of the work is scheduled for completion in September when the building is due to be handed back to the Grand Opera House Trustees.

The new-look Grand Opera House will open its doors to the public in late October with a Gala concert.

(SP)

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