Foster Wilson Architects completes Hoxton Hall restoration
Foster Wilson Architects has completed the restoration of grade II* Hoxton Hall in east London, one of Britain’s last surviving music halls.
The project restored the 1860s performance space and provided new facilities for the youth arts centre which is the building’s current occupier.
As part of the restoration, the upper and lower side balconies were re-opened for public use, doubling audience capacity.
Major structural works were undertaken to stabilise the building, the entrance was remodelled and the back-stage facilities were modernised.
Original fittings were reinstated and modern brick walls removed to reveal cast iron windows on the original music hall façade.
Edmund Wilson, partner at Foster Wilson Architects, said: “Hoxton Hall is a very rare surviving music hall, a building of immense character and an amazing performance venue.
“We have undertaken a careful restoration that aims to retain the charm and character of the hall, and ensure that it remains open for public use well into the future. The knocks, scrapes and scuffs of years of use have been left for people to see so they can enjoy a building that wears its history with pride.”
The hall, which was a Quaker meeting room after the music hall closed after just a few years, will re-open shortly.