Plans to revamp one of the main entertainment venues in the North East have been unveiled by its new operators.
Newcastle's City Hall - which has played host to some of the biggest names in music and entertainment since it was opened in 1927 - was taken over last year by the Academy Music Group, which operates the nearby O2 Academy Newcastle.
Now the new operators have signalled an investment programme which will create a second bar, removable seating and a mezzanine floor.
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A statement sent to planners outlines how major acts such as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones played at the City Hall in the 1960s, but adds: “The venue, however, has not moved with times, and in recent years major acts have bypassed Newcastle’s City Hall, a tour starting in Scotland to move down to Leeds or Manchester to continue.
“There is a massive opportunity to re-instate City Hall to regain its former glory and put City Hall firmly back on the touring acts schedule.
“In order to achieve this, the venue needs updating to provide an offer and facilities the modern concertgoer expects, and band promoters seek out in order to book a venue.”
The document says that the venue’s toilet facilities are inadequate and need to be increased in size to meet current standards. It adds that the ability to get refreshment while shows are in progress is very limited.
The group is proposing to use an unused room at the back of the balcony to create a new mezzanine floor level, with additional toilets below and a new bar area above.
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Meanwhile, existing seats at the 2,135 capacity venue will be taken out and replaced.
The document explains: “Again to bring the venue to modern standards and to facilitate what current major touring companies expect, the venue has to offer a flexible space. We therefore need to create a standing scheme.
“This will require the existing stalls seating to be replaced with new seats which are designed to be easily removed, stored elsewhere and brought back and re-positioned in readiness for the next seated show.
“The most significant impact on the building these changes will make is that it will secure the future of the venue. These changes, although small, within the confines of the footprint will make the venue attractive to promoters and customers, bringing in visitors to the venue and therefore to Newcastle city for years to come.”
Graham Walters, Academy Music Group chief operating officer, added: “Newcastle is a city with such strong cultural credentials, we are keen to make significant investment in O2 City Hall for the future.
“We have the industry expertise and resource to invest and enhance its heritage to ensure it thrives.
“O2 City Hall has such an incredible history for welcoming some of the biggest names in music over the years and we want to deliver the very best experience for audiences, who should always feel part of a show, with a full range of facilities for live music and events that really bring to life one of the North East’s most iconic entertainment venues.”