I think the central hall is perfect for the new quiggins, much better than the other building it's got so much character.
Thank you Phil for all that info on the history of the building - would have loved to have been to the old cinema!!
I am in the process of putting an application together to do a multimedia performance in one of the units at Grand Central and think it would be great to get hold of some of the old movies that were shown at the cinema.
A new member.
Gididi Gididi Goo.
Welcome katy-anne.
There's a chance that the films were advertised in the local press at the time.
The Record Office at Central Library have the newspapers on microfilm.
There is still a projection room at Central Hall, and it might still be possible to show films (but the projectors are no longer there).
I was in the building on an Open Day in 2004, but my camera was terminally sick that day, and I've only got a couple of grainy B&W shots.
Didn't they also have punk / metal / hardcore gigs there at one point in the early 90s?
I seem to remember a 'Dole'/Unemployment Office being in Central Hall at some time in the 1950s.
Can anyone confirm that ?
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Phredd
The Dole was in Renshaw Hall in Benson Street.
Previously it was in that Edwardian building in Leece Street, where the hoardings now are.
Yes, Grand Central Hall now is host to some of the traders who moved from Quiggins after its closure mid-2006, however since then many new shops have opened.
Forgetting about the alternative culture side of things, the one fantastic thing this has meant is that the place is open to the public once more bringing many people in through the doors ona daily basis.
The metalwork designs on the ground floor won an award and the domed ceiling in Roscoe Hall on the first floor is quite impressive too - as is the Organ which I believe is a listed item.
Okay, it is slightly obscured due to the shops being erected inside the hall, but it is still there.
Using existing buildings filled with architecture and steeped in history in this way should be the way forward - not just demolition and building soul-less steel blocks. (Anyone want to develop the Futurist?????)
The amount of money being poured into wiping Liverpool's rich architectural heritage off the face of the city (with this I mean the older warehouse buildings) will make Liverpool like any other major urban area.
It is a shame.
Long Live Grand Central Hall - http://www.grandcentralhall.com
Just thought I'd let you know.
Central Hall isn't anything to do with Quiggins, or the people who run Quiggins.
Quiggins is still alive on a much smaller scale, for the time being. Check out the Official Website and read the history of Quiggins, below:-
Quiggins Website
Mikey
The basement at Central Hall used to be a music studio where bands and choirs would rehearse; it was a bit dank and dark but the music was great! Also, during the miner's strike I went with an ardent communist to a fundraiser. Every time I walk past I still think it's the apartment block from "Ghostbusters"!
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