The Grade A listed St Columb’s Hall, first opened in 1886, is situated in the historic city's heart. Through their Aurora project, St Columb’s Hall Trust will undertake necessary restoration works to make the building safe and accessible, removing its at-risk status.

St Columb’s Hall’s heritage and the experiences of its audiences and visitors live long in the memory. It’s exciting to anticipate a new chapter where employment, new skills, activities and events are on the horizon.

Dr Paul Mullan, Northern Ireland Director, The National Lottery Heritage Fund

A platform for performance and activism

Often referred to as ‘the People’s Hall’, the space was immensely popular in its heyday. It attracted some of the world’s most iconic thinkers and performers, including:

• Eleanor Marx-Aveling, daughter of Karl Marx, who spoke at the Hall in 1889 to encourage workers to join their local union.
• Emmeline Pankhurst, who campaigned for women’s right to vote in a speech in 1910.
• Éamon De Valera, who rallied supporters to the cause of independence in 1924.
• Local tenors Josef Locke and John McCormack, who performed to sell out audiences.
• International artists Roy Orbison, Chubby Checker, Ruby Murray and Val Doonican.

More recently, the hit TV series Derry Girls filmed there.

Conal McFeely, Chairperson of St Columb’s Hall Trust, said: “One hundred and thirty four years after the first 'grand concert' was held in February 1889, it is apt that the great cultural events that were once a regular occurrence at the Hall will return again. All thanks to National Lottery players.

Re-establishing community connections

An exciting set of heritage activities will reconnect the community to the cherished venue. The Aurora project will work with people of all ages to research the hall’s heritage and plan for its future.

Conal McFeely said: “Part of our new and sustainable future is looking forward but also recording and acknowledging the efforts of our community in nurturing this wonderful asset over many years.”

Net zero ambitions

St Columb’s Hall will eventually re-open as a full-time, net zero events venue that demonstrates what is achievable in a heritage building.

Urgent repairs to the stonework and parapet levels will be carried out and three apprentices will learn heritage maintenance and restoration skills critical for maintaining the Hall into the future.

Dr Paul Mullan, Northern Ireland Director at the Heritage Fund, said: “St Columb’s Hall’s heritage and the experiences of its audiences and visitors live long in the memory. It’s exciting to anticipate a new chapter where employment, new skills, activities and events are on the horizon.”

Get involved

To take part in activities at St Columb’s Hall, sign up through the Aurora project.

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