Save the last dance!
I was contacted last week by a concerned local resident regarding this iconic and beautiful dance hall. It is due to be demolished and a new school to be built on site. The local community want this building to be preserved and after visiting it myself I can see why. I have never seen a hall quite like it, it is jaw dropping.
I stood in awe for several minutes taking this scene in. I'm in disbelief that this is due to be flattened for a new school, there must be other space locally that can be used for this.
The hall was built 50 years ago, so it is relatively young. Irish Showbands were a big thing and many famous ones have graced this stage. Here is an image of the hall when it was in use with a band playing. *image credit to Kerr Go
The building has fallen into neglect with parts of the ceiling collapsing letting lots of water in.
Old posters line the lobby of the hall.
The glass chandelier still hangs on this wonderful domed ceiling. It's said that the famous comedian Frank Carson helped build this very roof, before his fame!
Other uses the hall had were bingo nights, concerts and all kinds of shows.
Planning objections need to be placed to Mid Ulster District Council planning department on 03000132132 use planning reference la09/2028/1384F or email planning@midulstercouncil.org before this coming Tuesday 8th of February. Lets make a difference and save this beauty of hall!
Local MLA's can also be contacted with objections on the numbers/email below
Keith Buchanan (DUP) keith.buchanan1@outlook.com
028 7930 0295
Linda Dillon (SF)
linda.dillon81@gmail.com ·
028 8774 8689
Patsy McGlone (SDLP) patsy.mcglone@mla.niassembly.gov.uk
028 8675 8175