Bolton Council has completed the refurbishment and restoration of the Grade II listed Albert Halls

The work, which started in August 2015, was carried out by Wilmott Dixon and included repair and replacement of the roof, as well as refurbishment of all rooms in the Albert Halls.

Inside the Albert Halls, the contractors have refurbished and redecorated all the function and conference rooms, including fresh paintwork and new carpets. They have also added new lighting, heating and ensured the building is compliant with disability access requirements.

In the corridor outside the council chamber, the contractors discovered an original tiled floor underneath the carpets and this has been restored to its original glory. The Festival Hall has been repainted, recarpeted and the chandeliers removed and cleaned, whilst in the Albert Hall, the organ has been removed and restored.

Paintings of the former Mayors of Bolton hang in one corridor, whilst another will be dedicated to prominent Bolton women. Meanwhile paintings, furniture and silverware which were previously stored in Bolton Museum off display have been cleaned, restored and displayed around the Halls. In the Hall and Corridor of Remembrance, memorials have been collected from factories, churches and other public buildings around Bolton and will be displayed to honour the memory of those who died in the wars.

The Lancaster Suite has also been refurbished and will be available for conferences and functions, as well as three smaller conference rooms. There are eight conference rooms in total available for hire by local groups and organisations.

The new layout also includes a café bistro and the council is due to announce a potential occupier soon.

Leader of Bolton Council, Councillor Cliff Morris, said: “We are delighted that work has now completed on the conservation and regeneration of the Albert Halls.

We have taken great care and attention in restoring the halls and wherever possible we have retained and repaired the original features, such as staircases, fireplaces and chandeliers, as we know it is an important building for Bolton people.

The Halls is part of the history of Bolton and it is vital we preserve it for future generations to enjoy.

The roof repairs and stonework repairs were essential as part of ongoing maintenance and the work will help maintain the building for many more years to come.

Meanwhile the restoration of the Festival Hall, Lancaster Suite and other conference rooms will allow us to provide a modern multi-purpose venue, suitable for a range of activities from weddings to conferences.”

If you are interested in booking the conference or meeting rooms, or a wedding or another large function at the Albert Halls, please contact Liz Gatrick on 01204 336905.