The Ulster Hall refurbishment project has been awarded the 2009 CEF/Specify Award in the Restoration Category. The award was received at a Gala evening in the Culloden Hotel on Thursday 8 October. This was the 10th Anniversary of the prestigious awards and over 400 people were in attendance.
The quality of build and high level of craftsmanship on the iconic Ulster Hall stood out ‘head and shoulders’ among other listed building finalist projects which included St. Malachy’s Church, Edenderry Mill Conversion and BTW Shiells’ Head Office.
The Ulster Hall has been transformed into a modern, customer friendly, multi-purpose building, preserving one of Belfast`s most notable and irreplaceable architectural and cultural icons. The Grade B listed building was completed against a background of a very tight urban site and is one of the largest restoration projects undertaken in recent years in Northern Ireland. Great care was taken to honour and respect the Hall’s glorious past, while gently nudging her into the 21st Century. The focus for the refurbishment was on improving facilities while retaining a link with the venue’s heritage, for example, the Ulster Hall houses one of the oldest examples of a functioning classic English pipe organ, The Mullholland Grand Organ. Specialist care was taken to protect the organ, as it remained on site throughout construction works. Much of the original décor was also restored so that the special atmosphere was retained.
Gary Holmes, Contracts Director for Graham Construction was “Delighted at winning this highly prestigious award for such a world famous venue, and one which I was personally proud to have worked on.” He added “embracing the challenge of modernising the Belfast landmark to comply with health and safety as well as disability legislation, while not interfering with its history proved highly complex, with a simply breathtaking and award winning result”.
Dawson Stelfox, Architect, Consarc Design Group said “The Ulster Hall is one of the great cultural institutions of Belfast, bearing witness to every type of public event over its long life. This careful restoration and subtle modernisation has made it fit for purpose for the 21st century whilst restoring and enhancing its unique historic character.”
Speaking at the ceremony CEF Managing Director, John Armstrong, said “We commend our judges and sponsors whose commitment to excellence has allowed the Federation to develop the Awards into one of the most prestigious competitions in Northern Ireland. “
GRAHAM is proud to have successfully undertaken a wide range of historic and listed building restoration projects across NI and further afield and appreciate the importance of retaining intrinsic character and individual integrity of our built heritage.