The Council is taking advantage of the currently closed landmark building to upgrade the Guildhall’s electrical and alarm systems.
Contractors are already on site working on a refurbishment designed to bring this historic Grade II listed building bang up to date for entertainment events, gigs, conferences, training and weddings.
Features going in include acoustic curtains in the Great Hall, acoustic panels from the ceiling to improve the sound quality, facility panels for better audio-visual connectivity for productions and roof trusses strengthened to enable higher spec lighting to be used.
Toilets on the ground floor and lounge bar are being refurbished, and a commercial kitchen installed, while outside, a ramp for wheelchairs and prams is being created to improve access.
However further surveys have now identified that some of the electrical and alarm systems infrastructure is nearing the end of its serviceable life.
A decision is being signed off today to enable the Council to borrow up to £491,000 for a package of additional but vital work to make sure the electrical circuits across the entire building are compliant with current safety regulations.
The extra funding will also cover an upgrade of the fire and intruder systems which will take place at the same time as the current systems are outdated and replacement parts difficult to find. The passenger lifts will also be refurbished.
An element of electrical upgrades had been included in the initial scope of the refurbishment, but the poor condition of the existing services had not been fully appreciated at the time the bid was put together several years ago. Further investigations through the course of the project identified additional works that must be completed and have now been included in the project.
Carrying out the work as part of the refurbishment programme will reduce interruption for users once the Guildhall reopens as well as keep costs down.
Councillor Chris Penberthy Cabinet Member with responsibility for assets said: “It makes sense to this extra work now. Some of the wiring was rather old – 70 years – and while still functioning, we may as well sort this now rather than wait until the refurbishment is finished.”
The refurbishment package now underway was funded by the Future High Streets Fund, a government initiative designed to support ventures that encourage people back in city centres. While the upgrade to the electrics and alarm systems can run alongside the refurbishment it has to be funded separately.