The Grand Opera House in Belfast is ready to reopen following extensive restoration work.
The Grand Opera House on Victoria Street was damaged in 1972 when a bomb exploded in the neighbouring Europa Hotel.
Purchased in 1976 by the Northern Ireland Arts Council, the Victorian theatre building has been restored to its former glory following four years of restoration work.
The discovery of serious issues with the foundations of the building presented series challenges to the project for structural engineer Albert Fry.
Dilapidation had set in once the building closed artistic director of the Grand Opera House Michael Barnes explains that rain started coming in and the plaster began to rot.
Designed by London architect Frank Matcham in 1895, the Grand Opera House has been the venue for a wide mix of entertainment.
The big stage suited opera and ballet productions, it also attracted audiences by putting on a variety of shows. Michael Barnes says that this approach is set to continue.
We’ll have a fairly mixed programme in the future.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 15 September 1980. The reporter is Michael Good.
