Hull's Middleton Hall transformed into 'world class' concert venue for 2017 please log in to view this image One of the main venues for events during Hull's City of Culture year has reopened after a £9.5m facelift. Middleton Hall at the University of Hull now boasts a 400-seat concert hall with state-of-the-art acoustics. It is expected to host a variety of live concerts, from classical to pop. The venue overlooking Cottingham Road has also been designed to host theatre productions as well as being used for surround-sound cinema screenings. University bosses say the hall, which dates from the 1960s, has been transformed into a "world class cultural venue". The university's acting vice-chancellor Professor Glenn Burgess said: "Middleton Hall has been refurbished to such a high-specification that it is now one of the best concert venues in the region. "It is a significant addition to the cultural scene and is emblematic of the university's commitment to creativity within the region. "The Middleton Hall redevelopment is just one of the ways we aim to deliver an unforgettable experience for students, staff and the community during the City of Culture year and beyond." The facelift has seen a new arts cafe open in the building. It also includes a industry-standard recording studios and a cutting-edge TV filming and editing suite. Prof Burgess added: "The music studios and recording equipment rival the best commercial studios and includes a huge 48-channel mixing desk and one of the finest ambisonic studios in the country which allows listeners to experience 3D sound." The hall was first opened in 1967 after being designed by leading architect Sir Leslie Martin who went on to design other leading cultural venues including the Royal Festival Hall in London and the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow. The facelift has seen the building being sympathetically redesigned to preserve its grade two listing status. Key features including the building's original stairs, panelling and facade have been retained. New interior design elements include retro furniture in the cafe which reflect the building's history while the glass surround to the main entrance is etched with a series of musical notes that form the title song of the musical Cabaret. An official opening ceremony was being held at the campus today featuring performances by Opera North singers Kathryn Walker and Whitaker Mills, accompanied by pianist John Querns. Phil Boughton, director of orchestra and chorus at Opera North, said: "It is a beautiful venue and I am sure it will become a true cultural hub for the region as well as an asset to the university itself. "Personally, I have very fond memories of rehearsing in the hall with Humberside County Youth Orchestra so it is fantastic that it has been refurbished for a new generation to discover and hone their craft whilst at the same time providing a platform for world-class performances that Opera North looks forward to being part of." http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/hull...9853244-detail/story.html#aMazr2g4WQYOXOcY.99
Bit of a leftfield one this but talk of hotels jogged my memory - does anyone know what happened to St Stephens phase 2 works? I worked on supporting the planning app and there were plans for hotels on some of the land between the centre and Park Street? This was meant to kick off as soon as the centre development finished but I dont think anything happened nor was there a public explanation of why not.
That's my old stall where Denis Thornman is trading from. HCC charged me £295 a week for it 25 years, maybe more, ago which was the last time this market was refurbished. My original spot was inside the entrance opposite Holy Trinity and when the last refurbishment was announced I was told to move to where Denis is today. Only there was no stall, just a scruffy stinking rat infested empty space near the Lowgate entrance. We had to build our own temporary stalls. When the 'refurbishment' was completed that became my permanent spot. I had a third of the space I originally had and my rent more then doubled. The traders left in droves, included me, I sold up and ****ed off. By the way the last refurbishment managed to strip away all the old character and appeal of the indoor market and turn it into a just another down grade supermarket.
There's two large squares between Spring Street and Colonial Street that were derelict when St Stephens was built. The one nearest St Stephens was recently made into a car park, so I assume there's nothing planned to be built on it any time soon, the other square remains just an empty piece of land.
Does anyone know why St Stephens was built in the first place instead of attracting people actually into the city? Not straight off a train or bus and back out again in 20 minutes. In Leeds the way they have developed new shopping centres in the heart of the city should give our planners some ideas.
Don't think Leeds town planners are anything to shout about, their inner ring road and city centre parking is horrendous and that shopping park at Birstall where Ikea is is terrible. Their city centre is pretty poor for an urban area of 2M+. We all hate Leeds.
Let me guess, you went on a weekend? Victim of it's own success, it's absolutely ****ing rammed every weekend of the year. I personally wouldnt go there on a weekend for all the sluts in Scarborough. As for the parking in the city centre, I'd 100% agree with you, however it's entirely intentional. The planners didnt want people to drive into the city centre not only for environmental reasons but to also encourage greater participation in after work and weekend eating and drinking. And it worked. The city centre is packed every night of the week because those working arent dashing home in their cars. I actually think the number of parking spots keeps going down, the main open air car park has recently been sold for development and while a new one has opened at Victoria Gate it certainly wont make much of a difference.
It's fine parking in Leeds, I do it 3 or 4 times a week for work at busy times and always find somewhere. But it's not designed to have loads of parking spaces. The way Trinity has been planned out in Leeds is awesome.
It's odd because I find Leeds really convenient to get around and generally find it hassle free but I really can't stand Manchester at all Each to their own.
I know Manchester pretty well. It's the city of choice for if we go 'Shopping' bonus being it's also about 45 miles past Leeds
Manchester city centre is an utter ****-hole compared to Leeds, it doesn't even come close when it comes to shopping. Leeds has the Victoria Quarter, Trinity and now Victoria Gate. Manchester has the Arndale ffs. I used to like the Northern Quarter, but that's now about cool as Whitefriargate.
One way it is massively better is the Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and HoF. Leeds desperately needs the former and bigger versions of the other 2. Selfridges was originally meant to be the VG tenant but pulled out, allowing John Lewis to nip in.
Too small, that's the problem with HoF as it is. Anyway, havent they made shedload of profit recently?
They made their first profit for ten years last year, but it was only £1.3m and their figures are poor for the first half of this year.
If you haven't been to Leeds lately, then you should. The new shopping centre with John Lewis has just opened on what used to be Markets Car Park. Very impressive. As much as I hate Leeds, you cannot slag off what they have done with the City Centre, either for shopping, staying or eating. Its every bit as good if not better than Manchester City centre albeit more condensed.
