Floral Hall

Opened as a cast iron and glass pavilion on the seafront of this sleepy town, this building is remarkably similar in history and style to the Floral Hall in Scarborough (dem.), but on a much smaller scale. Now covered largely in roofing felt (but retaining the shape of the original glass roof) it presents a sorry appearance from most angles but enjoys a commanding site. On one side a cafe addition (pre-1940) in wood and glass is more attractive.

The Floral Hall was constructed with money set aside (but never used) to repair the Pier which had been destroyed by a storm at the end of the nineteenth century. The remains of the pier were cleared in 1910. The Floral Hall became the home of a long-running pierrot show and a small orchestra.

Inside the theatre there is nothing obvious remaining from the original, but a 1920s photo makes it clear that the basic form of the cast iron columns remain (now boxed in), a charming proscenium arch has been reduced to a utilitarian rectangular opening with rounded top corners (following the original outline but dispensing with all ornament) and probably above the false ceiling the cast iron roof will be found.

The stage has next to no wing space and no flying facilities but does have good access via large doors on the rear wall direct to the road outside. There are four large dressing rooms, two at stage level and two understage where there is a crossover.
In response to 2011 plans to demolish the hall, a local group formed a charity called the Floral Hall Community Centre to secure the future of the building. In July 2013 the group was signed over the freehold to the building from the East Riding of Yorkshire Council.