05/10/2007 04:53:55
Birmingham Town Hall reopened last night after a £35 million refurbishment that had closed the building for 11 years.
The reopening was marked by a celebratory concert, the first of a two-week series of special events. The celebrations echo the grand opening of the building 173 years ago, which was also accompanied by an October festival of music.
The Hall is listed as a Grade One building, but was closed in 1996 amid health and safety concerns. Since then, two 1920s balconies and a 6000-pipe organ have been restored, work that was made possible by the largest Heritage Lottery Fund grant to have been awarded in the West Midlands.
The building of the town hall was commissioned in 1828, when the plot of land cost £7,000. Over the years, the hall has been host to figures including The Beatles, William Gladstone and Margaret Thatcher and has seen events ranging from wrestling matches to political speeches.
Council leader Mike Whitby told the BBC: "I have no doubt that this beautiful, grand building - situated in the heart of our global city - will again become a major international attraction for which Birmingham can be proud of for years to come."
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