The scale and grandeur of Liverpool's St George's Hall led Pevsner to describe it as 'one of the finest neo Grecian buildings in the world.' It has led its owners, Liverpool City Council into a struggle to find suitable uses for the combined law court, public hall and concert hall as the demands on public buildings have changed over the last century and a half.
The solution has come in an audacious conservation plan that enables the building's three main spaces to be used entirely independently. This creates a flexibility belied by the imposing Corinthian columns that will soon become the familiar hallmark of the city's celebrations as European City of Culture 2008.
The first phase of the conservation plan, delivered on schedule and within its £18 million budget, focused on securing the building, making it weather proof, restoring the stonework, building street level entrances and making the building entirely accessible as well as 'health and safety compliant'. Crucially it involved remodelling and extending two staircases so the two concert halls have their own entrances and exits. Architectural historian, Gavin Stamp, described this as having been done 'so cleverly and sympathetically'. that it will soon look as if nothing has been done: surely the greatest compliment to any restoration architect.'
The second phase, led by Mark Goldspink and Rob Chambers in Liverpool, which is now underway, is bringing the decorative scheme back to its vibrant original condition. This includes restoring the Minton tiles of the 169 feet long Great Hall and work on the small concert hall which features a cast iron 'wickerwork' balcony supported by sculpted female figures, a superb crystal glass chandelier and Ravenhead glass mirrors that create dramatic reflections.
