Cabinet gives green light to Benn Hall refurb plans

The proposed £179,000 refurbishment includes the replacement of the Newbold Road venue's carpeting and vinyl flooring, new furniture and the installation of new internal fire doors.

Opened in 1961, the Benn Hall hosts a wide range of community, charity and civic events, together with live music, theatre and comedy shows. 
The venue comprises the main hall, the Rokeby Room and Caldecott Bar. 

New carpeting and vinyl flooring was last fitted in 2015, and the refurbishment plans propose replacing carpeting and vinyl flooring in all three rooms, the toilets and the Benn Hall's reception.

The plans also include 500 new chairs and 100 new tables, while all 14 of the venue's internal fire doors need replacing to maintain the building's fire safety specifications.

Cabinet backed the refurbishment plans at a meeting on Monday (29 June), with a final decision set to be taken at next month's meeting of full council.

Cllr Maggie O'Rourke, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for partnerships, health and wellbeing, said investment in the town centre venue was vital.

"The Benn Hall plays such a versatile role in Rugby lives, hosting everything from NHS Blood Donation clinics to election counts and the Rugby Sports Awards to live music, theatre and comedy," Cllr O'Rourke said.

"We're fortunate to have such a thriving leisure and entertainment venue in the town centre, and the refurbishment plan promises to put the Benn Hall in the best position to grow its operations going forward."

Cllr Neil Sandison, Rugby Borough Council's Liberal Democrat group spokesperson for partnerships, health and wellbeing, said: "We very much welcome the proposed refurbishment, not only in terms of refreshing the interior and furniture, but also ensuring the building maintains the highest health and safety standards, and remains compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act.

"The Benn Hall generates significant footfall and we want everyone who visits the venue to do so in comfort and with confidence."

Full council looks set to consider the refurbishment plan at a meeting on Wednesday 15 July.

For more information about events at the Benn Hall, visit the Benn Hall website.