George Hill, the new Artistic Director at Victoria Hall, Radstock, has this week called on the local community to pull together and help make the venue a huge success when it reopens at the end of the year. B&NES Council announced back in May that the Susan Hill School of Dancing would be the main tenant of the building and that the company will also be responsible for running the hall as a Community Arts Centre, with coffee bar, exhibition space and rooms for hire.

Whilst the hall, which is undergoing a huge amount of repair work, remains closed, George is appealing to any local group, club and/or individuals that wish to make use of the Victoria Hall. There will be four different rooms of different dimensions, ideal for all gatherings, however big or small. These spaces will be available for public hire from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., 7 days a week.

"I am so excited about the Victoria Hall and the potential of this magnificent building. I have been speaking to lots of locals that are emerging with wonderful ideas. These include a craft market, art and textile classes and a new group called 'Radstock Children's Choir'. I am also talking to local artists that have approached us about hosting 'artists in residence', a space to create new work, whilst giving the public the opportunity to observe the creative process, potentially even getting involved. BDC (Bath Dance College) will also use one of the four spaces during the day to train their talented individuals, however, there is still potential and space for many more activities/groups to thrive.

"As a creative centre for all of the public to enjoy and access, it is important to us that anyone that feels their group/club has the potential to grow in this amazing venue contact us. We are open to all ideas and will try our best to accommodate every one of them. Whether it's a new group, rehearsal or performance space that you are looking for, we are committed to making your ideas a reality. Please contact the Victoria Hall by emailing: [email protected]">[email protected] and let's pull together to bring this fantastic building back to life. Radstock deserves a heart, let's make it beat loud and proud," said George. You can also follow progress through Twitter @vhradstock, Facebook or the website: http://www.victoriahallradstock.co.uk">www.victoriahallradstock.co.uk