Summer 2015 will see Phase Two of the major works at Beccles Public Hall  dramatically improve the foyer and balcony areas -“something which has been eagerly anticipated by Hall directors and all users of this fine old community venue for many a year” said Hall Director, Terry Dentith, who has been overseeing the renovation work.

The much-awaited removal of the acrow props will signal the first step in regaining the lost foyer space and opportunity to improve the  layout. “Once new steels have been installed to support the balcony, work can commence in that area and although the audience capacity will be slightly reduced, the gallery layout will be much improved and more flexible”.” said Terry.

A 2006 structural survey found the support for the balcony was inadequate to have 70 audience members using it. The short-term solution was to install five rows of a crow props, severely restricting space in the foyer below. When Beccles Lido Limited bought the Hall in February 2013, the props were still in place. Even without them, space is an issue.

Following wide consultation and two open meetings, the Hall team believe they have found the layout of the balcony and foyer that will make best use of this opportunity to optimise the limited space available. They intend to:

• Install five steel joists across the full width of the foyer to support the balcony.
• Simplify the layout on the balcony to improve flexibility of use.
• Move the bottom flight of stairs through 180^o to save space and improve security. We would keep the existing stairs as they are part of the character of the building.
• a new fire exit will be needed and this will necessitate having a lamppost moved.
• Relocate the technical area to above the new stairs.
• Relocate the accessible toilet into a corner of the currently spacious ladies toilet. This will need the floor lowering and a new entrance.
• Extend the bar to include café facilities and relocate the box office.

The plan is to start mid August and finish mid September 2015. They will also be able to close the balcony whilst keeping the foyer open for the four weeks prior to the Hall closing. This will allow a team of volunteers time to strip out the balcony, facilitate structural inspections and asbestos surveys and allow time for remedial work if issues are found. The builder has been chosen to do the work and we will be meeting soon to plan the detail.

They already have £148,000 of the £181,000 needed to undertake the work. This is thanks to a generous support from Viridor and the Landfill Communities Fund of FCC Environment, Geoffrey Watling Charity, Boysie’s bucket list and a private donation to the Hall as well as over £20,000 from the Hall’s own fundraising events

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However, there is still a shortfall of £33,000 so any contribution to the fund would be most welcome. Why not consider event sponsorship this year for the Hall? You’ll find details of how to arrange an on-line sponsorship event at:

 https://mydonate.bt.com/charities/becclespublichall 

– the free on-line donation service

Check out all the latest events at Beccles Public Hall

If anyone has some time to spare in July to help with the stripping out and removal of balcony seats, walls, and even the floorboards to help us keep the costs down, please contact Terry Dentith on 01502 716590 or leave your details at the Hall.