BRADFORD’S historic St George’s Hall is slowly being revealed after months of painstaking restoration work to the sandstone exterior.

Part of a £9.5 million restoration project, work to replace the roof and repair and replace worn masonry on the upper levels has now been completed.

The scaffolding and white coverings have now been removed down to ground floor level to allow the remaining masonry work at the lower level to be completed.

In doing so the expert stonemasons’ work higher up the building has been revealed, bringing the Lockwood and Mawson-designed Grade II* listed building back to its former glories.

The project is being funded by Bradford Council, which owns the building, and £1.5m towards the stone renovations has come from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Work has been taking place both inside and out for the past 18 months, including extensive internal renovations designed to improve the front-of-house areas as well as to improve sight lines and the comfort of the seating for theatregoers in the auditorium.

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Councillor Sarah Ferriby, the Council’s executive member for healthy people and places, said: “The work to the upper levels of the exterior of St George’s Hall has now finished and the scaffolding is being removed to allow access to the masonry on the lower level.

“The roof has been completely replaced including the trusses with the slates recycled in part or replaced, we have also replaced all of the downpipes, guttering and flashings on the building.

“Our stonemasons have been hard at work carving and replacing any damaged and crumbling columns and intricate Corinthian capitals. All the windows in the building have been restored and repainted.

“We will be bringing down the remaining scaffolding over the next few weeks.

“The work carried out on this amazing 165-year-old Grade II* listed building is of an exceptionally high standard and will ensure the venue can be enjoyed by many future generations.”

It was revealed last month that the opening of the hall, built in 1853, would have to be delayed after damage to the ornate concert hall ceiling was discovered following work on the roof.

At the time a Council spokesman confirmed that inspectors had recommended a further detailed survey of the ceiling to make sure that the building is safe for artists and members of the public before re-opening.

“We will be carrying this out as soon as possible, along with any work necessary,” the spokesman added.

It means the first event to be held at the refurbished venue will be a concert by recording artist Barbara Dickson on February 15, meanwhile a performance from comedian Sandi Toksvig has had to be cancelled, with a new date offered instead.

Buttershaw St Paul's Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society’s production of Made in Dagenham has been moved to the Alhambra and will run from January 23 to 25.

The Hallé orchestra’s performance has been moved to February 21.

Other performances headed to the venue include stand-up comedian Rhod Gilbert’s live show, Canadian comedian Stewart Francis, ballroom dancing stars Anton and Erin, tribute shows to Tina Turner, The Eagles and Queen, children’s favourites Zog and Milkshake Live, and a show by the Dreamboys.