Northern Ireland

New look Grand Opera House unveiled following £12.2 million refurbishment

Ian Wilson, Chief Executive of the Grand Opera House, unveils the new look theatre following a £12.2 million refurbishment. Picture by Hugh Russell
Ian Wilson, Chief Executive of the Grand Opera House, unveils the new look theatre following a £12.2 million refurbishment. Picture by Hugh Russell Ian Wilson, Chief Executive of the Grand Opera House, unveils the new look theatre following a £12.2 million refurbishment. Picture by Hugh Russell

A NEW look Grand Opera House has been officially unveiled following a £12.2 million facelift.

The famous Belfast auditorium's paintings and decorative and ornate plasterwork has been painstakingly restored and conserved, as well as new seating, carpets, curtains and drapes installed.

The design of the foyer and public spaces has also been re-imagined while a new bar has been installed in the restored 1980 glass extension overhanging Great Victoria Street.

The theatre's stalls and circle bars have also been refurbished.

Its technical infrastructure has been upgraded and a permanent heritage exhibition installed telling the story of its 125-year history.

Facilities for those customers with access needs have also been enhanced throughout.

The theatre will reopen to the public for bookable tours in July.

The tours will precede the full reopening for performances later in the year, subject to public health guidance at that time.

Colin Loughran, Chairman of the Grand Opera House Trust, described yesterday as a "momentous day in the long and proud history of the Grand Opera House" adding that it also represented "a significant ray of light in the darkness of the last year".

"The ambitious restoration project has delivered fantastic results and we are hugely confident that it will ensure the theatre remains on the world stage as a centre for theatregoing and as a Belfast visitor and tourist attraction," he said.

"We would like to thank our funding partners for their unwavering support which has helped to secure the theatre for generations to come."

Tours can be can be booked at goh.co.uk.