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More delays for St David's Hall?

Monday, 12 August 2024 16:52

By Ted Peskett - Local Democracy Reporter X @TedPeskettNews

Cardiff’s St David’s Hall could be closed for months longer than expected.

The city’s main classical music venue, which needs to have its roof replaced, was originally expected to remain closed until 2025.

However, listed building consent which is needed before any work can take place has not been obtained yet and the hall might not reopen until 2026.

Cardiff Council said it understands Academy Music Group (AMG), which signed an agreement for a lease to take on the running of St David’s Hall in April, is preparing an application.

At the most recent full council meeting, leader of the Liberal Democrats group at Cardiff Council, Cllr Rodney Berman, asked for a progress update on the venue.

The council’s cabinet member for culture, sports and parks, Cllr Jennifer Burke, said the listing of the building has “significantly prolonged the process” of its repair and it is anticipated that work could take 18 months to complete once all planning permissions are secured.

An inspection at St David’s Hall last year found that the roof would need to be completely replaced due to the condition of panels in the ceiling.

Experts were brought in to look at St David’s Hall after health and safety guidance changed on reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).

The material is a type of lightweight concrete which is prone to sudden failure as it ages and is found to have a limited lifespan.

Cllr Berman said he was disappointed to learn that the re-opening of St David’s Hall is further off than what was initially expected.

He said: “Since closing in September 2023 we are yet to even see a start to any works being undertaken to start fixing the roof of St David’s Hall.

“This is creating significant delays and forcing the cancellation of important cultural events such as the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition that was due to take place in 2025."

“It is now quite clear that the original re-opening date will be pushed back significantly, impacting Cardiff’s reputation as the cultural hub of Wales."

“How long will the people of Cardiff have to wait until they are able to safely attend events at the hall again?”

At a Cardiff Council governance and audit committee meeting held in July, a senior officer at the council said there were no concerns about the timing of repair works at St David’s Hall after Cllr Berman raised the same issue of a lack of repair work there.

In a recent statement, Cllr Jennifer Burke said: “The council understands that AMG has completed its survey and is preparing an application for the works."

“At this stage we cannot say for sure how long the works might take. That will be dependent on what the works entail, that approval is secured, and then on AMG timelines which they will agree with their chosen contractor."

“The council is, of course, keen to see St David’s Hall reopened as soon as possible, and ready to entertain audiences for many, many more years.”

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