Benn Hall refurbishment plans approved by Rugby Borough Council
Cabinet backs plans for a £179k upgrade
Benn Hall in Rugby is set to receive a major refurbishment after the local council's cabinet approved plans worth £179,000.
The proposed upgrades for the Newbold Road venue include new carpeting and vinyl flooring, furniture, and internal fire doors.
Next month, the full council will review these plans.
Opened in 1961, Benn Hall is a central hub for various community, charity, and civic events, including live music, theatre, and comedy shows.
The venue features the main hall, the Rokeby Room, and the Caldecott Bar.
The refurbishment envisages the replacement of flooring last fitted in 2015, spanning all key areas of the venue, including toilets and reception.
Also included are 500 new chairs, 100 new tables, and replacing all 14 internal fire doors to uphold fire safety standards.
Cllr Maggie O'Rourke, Rugby Borough Council's portfolio holder for partnerships, health, and wellbeing, emphasised the importance of investing in the venue.
"The Benn Hall plays such a versatile role in Rugby lives, hosting everything from NHS Blood Donation clinics to election counts and the Rugby Sports Awards to live music, theatre, and comedy," Cllr O'Rourke said.
"We're fortunate to have such a thriving leisure and entertainment venue in the town centre, and the refurbishment plan promises to put the Benn Hall in the best position to grow its operations going forward."
Cllr Neil Sandison, Rugby Borough Council's Liberal Democrat group spokesperson for partnerships, health and wellbeing, said: "We very much welcome the proposed refurbishment... ensuring the building maintains the highest health and safety standards, and remains compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act."
Full council is expected to consider the refurbishment plan on Wednesday, 15th July.
For more information about events at Benn Hall, visit the Benn Hall website.