By the 1890’s Harrogate had become a very popular town to visit and it became apparent that the Spa Concert Rooms, built in 1837, were too small. It was decided that a new hall should be built and Councillors visited towns in Europe to look at ideas for the design.
An eminent architect, Frank Matcham, was commissioned to design the building and it was decided to name it ‘The Kursaal’ - literally German for “Cure Hall”.
In 1903 there was a spectacular, three day opening ceremony which received good press reports and really put Harrogate on the map. In addition to the Hall, in the grounds behind, there were Rose Gardens, a Pleasure Garden, band stands, an ice rink and tennis courts.
It soon became apparent that the profits were too low and it continued to lose money, despite the appearance of famous artists such as Harry Lauder, Clara Butt and Vesta Tilley.
During the First World War concern was expressed about the connotations of the title ‘The Kursaal’. When the Royal Family changed their name to Windsor, it became ‘The Royal Hall’.
In the 1920’s seven cinemas opened in Harrogate and as time went by, despite attracting well known artists, the use of radio and the eventual advent of television resulted in the losses continuing. Well known artists continued to appear: the 1950’s saw The Beverley Sisters, Archie Andrews, Johnny Dankworth, Russ Conway, Cliff Richard and Joe Loss to name but a few. Even wrestling was introduced!
The Conference Centre which was built in 1974 had a big impact on the District’s spending and, in 1985, an officer was appointed to look at the structure of the Royal Hall. He reported that money should be set aside for its maintenance . The insurance from a fire in 1990 helped to pay for some repairs but when the new Exhibition Hall was built in 2000 it was discovered that the sulphur in the water had seriously affected the concrete in the foundations, the roof was leaking and there was subsidence in the corner of the building. As a result of this, the Hall had to be closed although, as a Listed Building, it could not be demolished.
The Royal Hall Restoration Trust was formed, Lottery funds applied for, fund raising commenced and, when it was apparent that adequate funds would be available, the original drawings were obtained, a contractor was appointed and work began. The Chairman of the Restoration Trust, Lilian Mina worked tirelessly throughout the project and, very sadly become terminally ill towards the end. In light of her illness, the opening by Prince Charles was brought forward to January 2008 and it was re-opened for full use in May.
It has been a wonderful achievement and the photographs show how spectacular it is now.
Our speaker for this talk was Councillor Philip Broadbank ably assisted by his wife, Pat, and was enjoyed by a large audience.
Gillian Oldfield
