Revamp for City Hall to 'regain its former glory'

A REVAMP of Newcastle's City Hall to help the famous venue "regain its former glory" has been given the green light.

- DANIEL HOLLAND

Upgrade plans that will include the opening of a new balcony-level bar at the grade II listed concert hall have been granted planning permission by Newcastle City Council.

Documents lodged with the local authority warn that the O2 City Hall, which has played host to music icons like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones over the years, has "not moved with the times" and is now being overlooked by major acts. Academy Music Group and Live Nation, who run the venue, are now planning improvements which they say will help secure the historic site's future.

The changes will open up access from the City Hall to a mothballed area of the adjoining City Baths, which will be renovated to form a new bar to serve patrons sitting on the first floor.