A 1200 capacity performance space is to open in one of Liverpool’s hidden architectural gems. The Dome, situated in Grand Central on Renshaw Street, in the heart of Liverpool City Centre is a former Methodist Church. The venue will officially re-open its doors next month with an exciting mixed programme of events.
The new venue in the Grade 2 listed building will provide a mixed genre of live performance from touring bands, theatre, stand-up comedy and variety nights they already have confirmed bookings from November 2011 through to May 2012. Full details will be announced next week.
The owners Jenny Davies and partner Sean Finnerty already own the lease on the impressive Gaudi style Barcelona Bar on the ground floor of the building and have now bought the 25 year lease on the impressive upstairs venue.
Director Sean Finnerty said “This is a five year dream come true for me, it was a crying shame to see this stunning venue decaying and not put to good use and I was determined to do something about it, it took five years to secure the venue and work began a year ago. Along with the building owner Jerry O’Brien, we have put in a lot of time, energy and lifelong savings to get the venue back to public use”.
The owners want a space that encourages and develops new local talent, as well as providing a space for those already established in the industry nationwide. A special open day has been arranged for Sunday 16th October from 1-5pm inviting the city’s top promoters and festival organisers to take a look at the space and facilities and have the opportunity to chat to the owners.
Sean Finnerty continues “This area will be transformed in a year or so time, with Central Village coming to life between Bold Street and Renshaw Street and I want The Dome to be a big part of the regeneration of this area too. There is a gap for a venue of this size in the city centre and I am already impressed with the enquiries coming from local, national and international promoters to book the venue”.
The Dome offers theatre style seating on two levels with 500 fixed circle seats and an option of 700 standing or 500 seating downstairs in the stalls (Cabaret style tables is also an option), A huge organ installed in 1907 acts as an impressive back drop and stands proud behind the main stage. The venue has an inbuilt hi-tech lighting and sound system, two bars, catering facilities and an in-house promotions and production team. The Dome will offer a wide range of affordable daytime hire rates to welcome local community groups through to full-scale conferences.
Grand Central is set to become a hub of creativity and The Dome set to be one of Liverpool’s leading live music, theatre, cabaret, variety and vaudeville venues.
VENUE INFORMATION
THE DOME (Grand Central),
35 Renshaw Street, Liverpool, L1 2SF
