Tap hammer out, tap shoes in at City Hall

 

Restorations to the dance floor are nearing completion in the Cork City Concert Hall.

The repair work is scheduled to be completed by the end of August, in time for a new season of exciting events. The original dance floor dates back to the 1930s and has been undergoing extensive repair work.

The work required the replacement of 157 broken underfloor springs, believed to have been damaged during an exhibition in the 1980s. The damage resulted in distorted floor levels and deflection in the support structure.

Since then, multiple attempts had been made to repair the floor using wooden supports and wedges, but failed to adequately offset the damage.

The architect behind the restoration explained that once the old floor was removed, the exceptional quality of the original construction became clear.

The iconic concert hall opened in 1963 and has hosted artists such as Rory Gallagher and U2.

The restored venue will host events for Cork Culture Night in September and a performance by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas during the Cork Jazz Weekend in October.

The restoration was undertaken by Cork City Architects Department in collaboration with the Facilities and Works sections of Cork City Council.