The Public Hall Refurbishment

Phase 1 of the Gosforth Public Hall refurbishment programme is well underway, although the internal lime plaster is taking much longer that anticipated to dry out in the current weather conditions.  It is hoped that Phase 1 will be complete at the end of June, to allow the Library to re-open along with the Supper Room and general purpose Meeting Room (the old kitchen).  In March 2026 the Hall was awarded £500,000 by the Mid-Copeland GDF Community Partnership towards the cost of the Phase 2 refurbishment. This represents almost 90% of the funds needed. The Hall Committee and user groups are working hard to gain the additional funding required for the full refurbishment but this substantial contribution allows  Phase 2 to begin.

When will the Phase 2 work start and how long will it last?

Phase 2 of the work should start in Mid July. Work will begin at the back of the Hall, digging out for the new kitchen and store room. This will allow the Main Hall and toilets to remian open until at least the end of August for the annual Art Exhibition. Phase 2 work is currently scheduled to be complete by around the end of April 2027.

GADS Productions during the refurbishment

During the refurbishment we are trying to put on as much as possible with the limited facilities. The play “Two” was staged very successfully in October 2025 and our Youth Theatre Group performed “The Phantom and the Phoenix” in March 2026. A “21st Century Showcase” in May 2026 features songs from modern musicals. In August we will hold our annual Summer Youth Workshop, although this is being relocated to the school, to avoid noise disruption from the building work. We are also developing workshops to keep members engaged and Plays for Pleasure will return soon.

Youth Theatre Group

The weekly Youth Theatre Group returned after the Easter break and we will keep them going for as long as we can. After the Summer holidays, we may be able to relocate to the Supper Room while Phase 2 work continues.

Summer Youth Workshop

Gosforth Primary School have kindly agreed to us using their Hall for the week of  17 to 22 August. More details of how to sign up will appear nearer the time.

Plays for Pleasure

P4P usually only runs between shows to keep our active members engaged. So the refurbishment work provides an ideal opportunity for those avid play readers. Moreover, readings are held in the Function Room at the Kellbank so are unaffected by the ongoing work. Dates and times will appear here, on our Socials and in the Seatallen Benefice Magazine. For now, we are busy rehearsing for the 12st Century Showcase, so P4P is on hold for a while.

Parking at the Hall

Parking at the Hall is very limited, apart from a load / unload area for short term use. The construction contractors will need most of the current car parking areas for their construction compounds although they have created safe access walkways to 3 of the 4 doorways, including the disabled access door at the rear of the building. Please drop off near the hairdressers if necessary and park in the free public car park across the road.

Where can I find out more information about GADS?

With the current uncertainties, the entire GADS programme is subject to change and you can keep up to date here on the website or by following us on Facebook.