| Royal Hall | |
|---|---|
| City | Harrogate, North Yorkshire |
| Designation | Grade II listed |
| Architect | Robert Beale/Frank Matcham |
| Type | Kursaal/theatre |
| Opened | 1903 |
| Rebuilt | 2006-2008 |
| Previous names | 1903: Kursaal |
| www.royalhall.co.uk | |
The Royal Hall is a Grade II listed performance hall and theatre, located in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England.
With local benefactors led by engineering inventor Samson Fox, the building opened in 1903 as the Kursaal. Designed by Robert Beale and Frank Matcham, one of the most prolific theatre architects of his time, it was loosely based the design on the Ostende Kursall in Belgium. Kursaal is a German language word which translates literally as “Cure Hall,” but was used for grand receptions and special occasions. A popular form of building in late 19th century European spa destinations, the concept never caught on in the United Kingdom. Hence as World War I began, the theatre was renamed the more patriotic "Royal Hall".[1]
In the 1950s, like many theatres converted into a cinema but looking for alternate uses, the venue helped in the formation and growth of Harrogate as a conference and exhibition centre. With modern Harrogate acknowledged as one of the UK’s top event destinations and home to Harrogate International Centre, by 1997 the Royal Hall needed renovation. In 2000, English Heritage put the building on the national “buildings at risk” register.
As the only surviving Kursaal in Britain, the Royal Hall is an important national heritage building.[2] The council formed the Royal Hall Restoration Trust, which committed itself to raise £1M towards a £10M estimated restoration cost. Supported by Edward Fox, a great-grandson of Samson Fox, donations were received from Harrogate Borough Council, Harrogate International Centre, and the Heritage Lottery Fund, with the trust itself raising £2.7M from local benefactors. This allowed for an authentic interior redecoration and the restoration of the Dress Circle. The patron of the Royal Hall Restoration Trust, Prince Charles, led the Hall’s official re-opening on Tuesday 22 January 2008.[3][4]