St Columb's Hall in Derry is to undergo major restoration work as part of the UK's Levelling Scheme, it has been announced.
The famous hall, which featured in Derry Girls' series final last week, is among eight other community projects across the UK set to be rescued by more than £2.2 million of government levelling up funding.
It's hoped that the restoration of the hall will mean a focus on advancing arts, culture and heritage in the city centre.
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It's understood that around £180,000 of government funding boost will see the hall, based on Newmarket Street, restored and reopened to the public in the coming years.
The hall has been a refuge for the local community, creative thinkers and cultural organisations including Feis Doire Colmcille.
It also became a hothouse for local talent including Roma Downey, Phil Coulter, Undertones frontman Feargal Sharkey and several generations of young people.
Minister for Levelling Up, the Union and Constitution, Neil O’Brien, said: “St Columb’s Hall is a beautiful and historic venue, which I’m delighted will now be able to serve the people once again following this much-needed funding boost.
“Supporting the revival of great community assets like St Columb’s Hall puts control back in the hands of local people, restores people’s pride in the places they live and helps spread opportunity across the UK.”
A spokesperson from St Columb's Trust told MyDerry:“St Columb’s Hall is a landmark site in our city. It has been an intrinsic piece of the cultural, architectural and historical fabric of Derry since 1886.
"The Hall was built from donations from local people and there is still an enormous bond between the building and the community. In addition, it’s Grade A listing reflects the importance of the craft and creativity of its design.
"We now need to revive it and St Columb’s Hall Trust are delighted to receive this funding from the Community Ownership Fund, which will allow us to start work on transforming the Hall into a vibrant hub for the benefit of local people..”
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