History of the Assembly Rooms
The Alton Assembly Rooms were designed, constructed and finally completed in 1880 by Charles E Barry, and stand as one of the three buildings that form Crown Close.
After an interesting early history, which included use as Red Cross Hospital they eventually passed into the ownership of the Town Council, being presented by the then owners, the Hall family as a generous gesture to celebrate the victories gained by the Allied Forces during the Great War.
The building is now Listed, as of as being of special architectural and historical importance, Grade II. All future improvements are only intended to further this beautiful building’s character and ornate charm.
Construction & Management
Charles E Barry (Westminster) - Architect
Alton Assembly Rooms & Town Hall Co Ltd
Alterations
Converted for multi-purpose use (including films and skating) - Unknown Architect
Owner/Management
Gerald Hall bought Co (in receivership)
Alteration
Converted to Red Cross Hospital - Unknown Architect
Owner/Management
UDC (presented to the town by Gerald & Goodwyn Hall)
Alteration: re-converted for entertainment use. Unknown - Architect
Alteration
Modernised & re-floored. Unknown - Architect
Alteration
Sympathetic restoration and refurbishment of the main hall. Nick Carey-Thomas - Architect
Recent Works
2009 Refurbishment of Lower Room as a gallery / versatile space, incl new heating, lighting and blinds.
2010 New heating in Upper (Studio) Room and removal of boarding on staircase and full restoration including replacement spindles. Restoration of floor in Main Hall.
2011 New floor to Studio. Refurbishment of foyer, landing and stairwell, revealing yet more original architectural features.
2017 Complete restoration of the Chimney to the rear of the building
2018 New glass porch and entrance vestibule, raising the ceiling and installing a new side window. (construction work carried out by D.Andrews)