Liverpool’s Central Hall is reopened as a spectacular new 1,200-seat venue
A new performance space is set to open in a historic Liverpool city centre landmark.The Dome is based in the Grade II listed Central Hall former Methodist church, in Renshaw Street.
The 1,200-seater venue is expected to host a mixture of live performance from touring bands to theatre, stand- up comedy and variety nights.
An open day will be held this Sunday where city promoters and festival organisers will be invited to look at the space and have the opportunity to chat to owners Jenny Davies and partner Sean Finnerty.
The pair already own the lease on the Barcelona Bar, on the ground floor of the building, and have now bought a 25-year lease on the upstairs venue, investing their life savings on its refurbishment.
Last night, director Mr Finnerty said: “This is a five-year dream come true for me.
“It was a crying shame to see this stunning venue decaying and not put to good use, and I was determined to do something about it.
“It took five years to secure the venue and work began a year ago. Along with the building owner, Jerry O’Brien, we’ve put in a lot of time, energy and investment to get it back into public use.”
The Dome will offer theatre-style seating on two levels, with 500 fixed circle seats and an option of 700 standing or 500 seating downstairs in the stalls.
It also has a huge working pipe organ, installed in 1907, which acts as a backdrop behind the main stage, as well as a hi-tech lighting and sound system, two bars, catering facilities and an in-house promotions and production team.
The new look Central Hall The owners, who say they see the venture as a “lifelong commitment” already have confirmed bookings from November through to next May, with full details due to be announced next week.
And they also want to encourage and develop new local talent, as well as providing a space for those already established in the industry nationwide.
Mr Finnerty added: “This area will be transformed in a year or so’s time, with Central Village coming to life between Bold Street and Renshaw Street, and we want to be a big part of the regeneration of this area, too.
“There’s a gap for a venue of this size in the city centre, and I’m already impressed with the enquiries coming from local, national and international promoters to book the venue.”
The history of Liverpool’s Grand Central Hall
Grand Central Hall was designed by Lancashire-based architect firm Bradshaw and Gass, and opened in December, 1905, originally as the Central Hall of the Liverpool Methodist Mission.
In 1908, it became one of Liverpool’s first cinemas, The New Century Picture Hall, where films were shown to introduce the "down and outers" to the Methodist Church.
When the old Philharmonic Hall was destroyed by fire in 1933, the Liverpool Philharmonic Society moved to Central Hall, using it as a concert venue until the new Phil was opened in 1939.
In the 1970s and 80s, the hall was used for Union meetings and Ford’s strike meetings.
Over the years, it has been through many stages of closure and reopening. The Methodist church sold the site in 1990, and, after major restoration, itthe building reopened as Grand Central, in November, 1998. Rawhide comedy club became resident in the hall during 2005 and, most recently, it has been used by Quiggins shopping centre. The most recent addition is the clearing of the hall, which is now The Dome, which will open for business next month.
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[Image: The new look central hall]
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