Work has started on refurbishing Victoria Hall in Radstock, as the building is brought back into use for the local community.
The project will bring the building up to a suitable standard for future use, including new electrics, toilet facilities, and a boiler. Building contractors Emery have taken control of the site.
The overhaul will be complete towards the end of the year, although part of the building will open before that time for the future leaseholder, Sue Hill Dance Limited, to operate.
Councillor Paul Crossley (Lib-Dem, Southdown), Leader of Council, said, “We are already making cracking progress on delivering this important project to pump fresh blood into the heart of Radstock. People can see that Bath & North East Somerset Council is getting on with the job of rejuvenating Victoria Hall into a facility where the community can rightly feel proud.
“The works taking place are for the long-term future of the building, regardless of its leaseholder or use.”
The uses for the hall will include a gallery which would available to local artists for exhibits on a monthly basis. Three studio spaces will be useable as a function space and the large hall upstairs would be made available as a community performance space for local and visiting groups for drama, dance and music or for events like film screenings, shows and dances. A coffee bar will become a new hub for the community.
When not in use as dance studio it must be available for hire for community use and the lessee will maximise community use with a target of 20 hours per week, subject to demand from the community.
