Demand for answers over Civic Hall revamp delays as council pledges to reopen this year

After six years of closure and a catalogue of delays and spiralling costs, Wolverhampton’s Civic Hall will definitely reopen this year according to a senior councillor.

An artist's impression of how the refurbished Wolverhampton Civic Hall will look.

With refurbishment costs now in excess of £40 million, council bosses say the newly revamped 84-year-old entertainment venue will be “world class” when doors finally open again.

Since the venue closed for improvements in December 2015, the project has been plagued by a series of major setbacks including the discovery of asbestos inside the building and the original contractor going bust.

The cost was originally supposed to be around £10 million and the venue was due to be reopened in November 2016.

However, work ground to a halt after structural problems with the venue were found to be far worse than first thought.

At a meeting of full council, Councillor Jonathan Yardley for Tettenhall Regis demanded answers over the number of hitches.

He said: “As strong supporters with fond memories of the Civic Halls, members of the Conservative group are disappointed to see yet another deadline missed on this project.

“Please can the portfolio holder clarify how many completion dates have been set and missed for the completion of the Civic Halls?”

Deputy leader Councillor Stephen Simkins, the council’s cabinet member for inclusive city economy, said: “It’s really important that we use the Civic Halls and utilise them as our greatest asset that I believe will turn this city into an entertainment centre and visitor economy.

“It’s been a multi-complex project, but what’s important is that (our operators) AEG share our vision for the Civic Halls. And they are preparing for some of the most internationally renowned artists to come to this city.

“This is really important and the only deadline that really matters is opening night.”

An artist's impression of what the interior of the Civic Hall will look like.

Councillor Yardley responded: “What is the current contractual completion date for (contractors) Willmott Dixon, and also the opening date after the fit-out by AEG? After six years the public would like to finally know this.”

Councillor Simkins added: “It’s really ironic that we have had questions and people have been knocking the Civic Halls up and down the city, and then finally when we get to the point of fruition – when the scaffold is coming down – we hear people saying they are ‘a strong supporter’.

“As I’ve said, the only real date that matters is opening night. What I can say is that yesterday (Tuesday) AEG was visiting and there is such enthusiasm from the operator.

“The Civic Halls will open in 2022. And can I just remind council – not one penny piece will it cost any citizen, young or old, in this city for the next 25 years.”

As part of the work, the height above the stage to the rear of the Civic Hall is being increased in order to attract and accommodate bigger shows.

A new second balcony is also being built around the three sides of the Civic Hall facing the stage, and a new balcony will also be installed in the smaller Wulfrun Hall.

Seats will be wider and there will be bigger bars, revamped toilet facilities, lift access to the new balconies, better access for disabled visitors and a new air conditioning system.

An artist's impression of how the entrance to the refurbished Wulfrun Hall - adjacent to Wolverhampton Civic Hall - will look.

Meanwhile nearby roads have recently been shut off for work to improve pedestrian access.

Other work taking place nearby includes the creation of a box park on Bell Street for food, drink and entertainment and the demolition of buildings in Cleveland Parade for a new car park.

AEG have agreed a 25-year deal for the venue operator and concert promoter to run the  84-year-old venue.

The first artists to perform at the newly refurbished halls are expected to be announced later this year.