University of Hull opens 'world class' cultural venue following £9.5m investment

Following a £9.5m investment, the University of Hull’s Middleton Hall has been transformed into a ‘world-class cultural venue’.

The centrepiece of the multi-million pound redevelopment is a 400-seater concert hall. The events space can be adapted to host theatre productions and surround-sound cinema screenings, and is completed by a new Arts Cafe.

Students are now also able to access the venue’s recording studios and a TV filming and editing suite. The music studios and recording equipment features a 48-channel mixing desk and a ambisonic studio which allows listeners to experience 3D sound.

The redevelopment forms part of the University of Hull’s £200m investment in its campus which also includes a forthcoming £25m health campus and the £28m refurbishment of the Brynmor Jones Library.

The University is a principal partner of Hull UK City of Culture 2017 and is playing an active role in producing and hosting some of the year’s cultural events – many of these will be held on the University’s campus including some at Middleton Hall.

Professor Glenn Burgess, acting vice-chancellor at the University of Hull, said: “Middleton Hall has been refurbished to such a high-specification that it is now one of the best concert venues in the region.

“It is a significant addition to the cultural scene and is emblematic of the University’s commitment to creativity within the region.

“The Middleton Hall redevelopment is just one of the ways we aim to deliver an unforgettable experience for students, staff and the community during the City of Culture year and beyond.”

First opened in 1967, Middleton Hall was designed by Sir Leslie Martin who went on to design the Royal Festival Hall and the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow. The building has been redesigned to preserve its Grade-II listing status.

Key features including the building’s original stairs, panelling and facade have been retained. Interior design elements such as retro furniture in the Arts Cafe showcases the building’s history, and the glass surround to the grand entrance is etched with a series of musical notes that form the title song of the musical ‘Cabaret’.