King George’s Hall to Reopen Autumn 2026 After £9m Makeover

The historic King George’s Hall in Blackburn is set to reopen to the public in autumn 2026, following a major refurbishment project worth £9 million. The exact reopening date has not yet been confirmed, as construction and restoration work continues on the landmark venue, which first opened its doors in 1921.

The announcement was shared ahead of an update by Blackburn with Darwen Council Leader Phil Riley, who will brief colleagues on the progress of the town’s £20 million Cultural Quarter development during a council meeting later today. The reopening of King George’s Hall, commonly known as KGH, represents a significant milestone in the ongoing cultural regeneration of the town centre.

Major Renovation Work Underway

King George’s Hall closed in January 2025 to begin the final phase of its refurbishment. The Grade II-listed venue, located on Northgate, has already completed phase one of the project, which took place earlier this year. Phase two is currently in progress and includes:

• Replacement of the venue’s roof

• Major internal structural and layout improvements

• Extensive upgrades to toilets, bar areas and flooring

• Modernized heating and ventilation systems

• Enhancements to visitor facilities and public spaces

Riley described the venue as the “cornerstone of Blackburn’s Cultural Quarter”, highlighting its importance to the region both historically and economically.

“Work is already well under way on improvements to the exterior of the building,” he stated. “King George’s Hall will be open in Autumn 2026.”

As part of the wider plans, nearby Blakey Moor Terrace has also completed renovation works and is now being marketed to attract a high-quality food and drink operator. Positive commercial interest has already been expressed, although confirmation of an end user is expected once construction is fully finished.

Historic Venue With Iconic Legacy

The venue has hosted thousands of performances over the past century. Internationally renowned artists including The Beatles, Queen and David Bowie have all taken to its stage, contributing to its reputation as a cultural hub in the North West. The foundation stone was initially laid by King George V in 1913, but construction halted due to World War I, during which the building served as a Red Cross hospital. It officially opened in October 1921 and last underwent full-scale renovation in 1994. During the current closure, King George’s Hall has continued to support the local community, hosting key cultural events such as the National Festival of Making and the British Textile Biennial, helping maintain footfall and engagement in the town centre.

Local officials hope that the reopening will accelerate economic growth and revitalise Blackburn’s night-time and tourism economy. The Cultural Quarter project aims to attract visitors, foster local business opportunities and strengthen Blackburn’s profile as a regional destination for arts, music and entertainment. More details, including its reopening schedule and event lineup, are expected in the coming months as renovation reaches completion.