26/03/2008 05:01:00
One of the countries last remaining music halls, the Leeds City Varieties, is to be refurbished with the help of funds to the tune of more than £9 million.
The historic music hall will receive £3 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, £1 million from the Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House Ltd, and another £5.2 million from Leeds City Council.
Leeds City Varieties, a grade II listed site, is best known as the home of the TV variety show The Good Old Days, which was recorded at the venue from 1953 to 1983.
According to the Yorkshire Post, last year Leeds City Council purchased the White Swan public house underneath the music hall, in order to enable full implementation of the refurbishment proposals.
Leader of the city council, Andrew Carter, stated: "The City Varieties is a music hall for which there is huge affection right across the city of Leeds.
"It is one of the last remaining music halls in the country and as such plays an important life in the heritage of the city."
Chair of the Leeds Grand Theatre Board, Cllr John Proctor, added: "These plans take us a step closer in our quest to bring this jewel in the city's crown back to its former glory."
The BBC states that past celebrities that have performed at the Leeds City Varieties include Lily Langtree, Houdini, Frankie Vaughan and even Charlie Chaplin.
The refurbishment proposals will concentrate on restoring the music hall's auditorium, enhancing its stage and backstage facilities and fitting in additional toilets. The work is expected to be completed by the summer of 2010.