Plymouth landmark set for £3.9m upgrade

According to the council, contractors will take over the site this week to prepare for a major overhaul

Plymouth’s Guildhall is to be given a makeover to help "bring the buzz back" to the building.

According to the city council, contractors will take over the site this week to prepare for a major overhaul that will bring the venue up to date for gigs, entertainment events, conferences, training and weddings.

Higher specification lighting is to be installed in the hall among other upgrades, including modular staging and demolishing the existing lounge bar to make way for a larger and more modern replacement.

The project will cost about £3.9m and is funded by the Future High Streets Fund.

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, Cooperative Development and Community, said: "This is a massively important building for the city and it deserves to be back in the spotlight and play a bigger part in people’s lives and the life of the city centre.

"It’s played host to some incredible artists – Bowie, Queen and the Who in the 70s, but the needs of bands, orchestras and events organisers have changed over the years."

A separate programme of restoration for the Guildhall’s exterior has just been completed.

This included cleaning and repairing the effects of decades of pollution and salty sea air, which had damaged stonework and detailing.