Widnes Memories: Queen's Hall Studio revamp gathers pace

By Runcorn And Widnes Weekly News on Nov 29, 09 04:27 PM in 2000 onwards

A MAJOR project to redevelop one of the most iconic buildings in Widnes as a centre for live music and drama is well under way.

The Weekly News reported in September how volunteer group Loose had secured almost £500,000 of Big Lottery funding to help to run the Queen's Hall Studio, Lacey Street, as a performance venue.

The cash was to fund staff and running costs, and came on top of a large Community Assets grant for building repairs, a grant from WREN for re-wiring and Grassroots funding to pay for building insurance.

With more than £1m of funds in the bag work has continued apace, with the venue - which has been closed for five years - to open again in February 2010.

Jaki Florek, of Loose, said: "When the Queen's Hall closed it left a massive gap.

Closing the studio had a particularly devastating effect on provision for young people interested in contemporary music.

"When the work is finished it won't be dead posh but it will be a vibrant and creative place to be.

"It will also become home to Split Ends Theatre Company, and will be available for other local groups and individuals to use."