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Entertainment venue recognised for its acoustics

Susie Rack
BBC News, West Midlands
JODIPHOTOGRAPHY The lead singer of McFly, Tom Fletcher, jumping on a stage with his right arm in the air. The picture is taken from close range at the front side of the stage and the audience can be seen in stalls and on balconies, raising their arms in response. A guitar is slung around the singer's shoulder on a strap. He is wearing black, has blonde hair and black glasses. Other band members can be dimly seen behind him on the stage. JODIPHOTOGRAPHY
McFly performed at the venue shortly after it reopened in June 2023

A Wolverhampton entertainment venue that went through a major refurb has been shortlisted for an award for its acoustics.

The refit of University of Wolverhampton at the Halls created a larger stage, new balconies and bars and better disabled access.

Project manager Sandy Brown, an acoustic consultancy, submitted an entry for the Acoustic Awards 2025 for its work on the venue, which reopened in 2023.

Shortlisted entrants will give a four-minute presentation after the Acoustics and Noise Consultants' (ANC) conference in Birmingham on Wednesday.

In a post on Linkedin, the ANC said Sandy Brown's entry showcased "the successful modern revitalisation of a historic venue, carefully preserving its architectural heritage while meeting contemporary performance standards".

The Grade II listed site, which comprises the Wulfrun and Civic Halls, increased its capacity to a total of 4,600 during the building work.

The ANC said its design and construction "tackled complex challenges to implement an acoustic strategy to ensure the Halls could host a range of events".

Since it reopened, the venue has welcomed the likes of Blur, Robert Plant and McFly.

JODIPHOTOGRAPHY An external shot of University of Wolverhampton at the Halls from the opposite kerb. It is a tall stone building with six stone columns flanking the front. A roof extension is more modern, with windows the full way along. Staff in yellow jackets stand by metal railings which have been set up outside.JODIPHOTOGRAPHY
The building reopened in June 2023 with a show from Blur

Also competing in the Acoustic Awards 2025 performance space category are Acoustic Consultants for work on Albert Hall, Swansea and SRL Technical Services for Co-op Live in Manchester.

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