Assembly Rooms
This striking Gothic municipal building in rich red brick forms part of a group of three, the others being the Inwood Cottage Hospital and the Museum, formerly the Mechanics Institute. They were designed by Charles E Barry by invitation of Henry Hall, who gifted a portion of Crown Close for the construction of the buildings. The Assembly rooms, which presented entertainments, including drama, from the beginning, have two handsome towers marking the entrance. The hall itself features six chandeliers and has a permanent stage, sprung dance floor and its original ceiling. In October 2000 the Assembly Rooms and surrounding buildings were listed Grade II. Since then, the Assembly Rooms were renovated and access to them improved. This involved removing some of the post-war alterations, revealing some of the original features. This is a well-maintained multi-purpose hall. It has a wide range of uses including community events.
- 1880 - 1914: Theatre (multi-purpose hall)
- 1914 - 1918: Red Cross hospital
- 1920 : Theatre (multi-purpose hall), continuing
- 1939 - 1945: First Aid Post (and multi-purpose hall)
Further details
- 1880 Design/Construction:Charles E Barry (Westminster)- Architect
- 1880 Owner/Management: Alton Assembly Rooms & Town Hall Co Ltd
- 1880 - 1914 Use: Theatre (multi-purpose hall)
- 1893 Alteration: Internal alterations to enlarge stage and improve acoustics, building extended
- 1900 - 1909 Alteration: converted for multi-purpose use (including films and skating)Unknown- Architect
- 1912 Owner/Management: Gerald Hall bought Co (in receivership)
- 1914 Alteration: converted to Red Cross HospitalUnknown- Architect
- 1914 - 1918 Use: Red Cross hospital
- 1919 Alteration: re-converted for entertainment useUnknown- Architect
- 1919 Owner/Management: UDC (presented to the town by Gerald & Goodwyn Hall)
- 1920 Use: Theatre (multi-purpose hall), continuing
- 1939 - 1945 Use: First Aid Post (and multi-purpose hall)
- 1963 Alteration: modernised & re-flooredUnknown- Architect
- CapacityLaterDescription1910: 500
1995: 300 - CapacityLaterDescription300
- CapacityCurrentDescription208Comment2014; seated capacity 208
- ListingIICommentListed alongside the cottage hospital and museum