Assembly Hall (Worthing)
- Theatre ID3671
- Built / Converted1934
- Dates of use
- 1934: continuing (as concert multi-function hall).
- Current stateExtant
- Current useMusic venue (live music, conferences and other functions)
- AddressStoke Abbott Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 1HQ, England
- Website
Details
Worthing's Town Hall complex was built in 1934, designed by C Cowles Voysey with detailing by J Brandon-Jones. The Assembly Hall sits behind the Town Hall, and was covenanted to the town of Worthing by its Mayor, Alderman James Gurney Denton. The Assembly Hall is described as being 'Scandinavian Modernist' - a simple two-storey building in red brick, with three Art Deco style stone reliefs above the central windows, entrance doors and plain canopy. The entrance foyer has Art Deco fittings and original pay box, and ancillary space is provided by the Richmond Room, for cafébar and small functions. The Main Hall is a flat-floored concert hall with a single balcony at the rear, facing a stepped concert-platform stage. Decoration is simple and Art Deco, with mahogany panelling and cream walls, a stepped ceiling with central coffered window, and the 'open proscenium arch' flanked on either side with sea-horse reliefs. A small lift at stage right rises to reveal the Wurlitzer organ, which was reinstated in 1981 following a five year restoration. The Assembly Hall houses a variety of events, from classical concerts, rock music and comedy to ballroom dancing, tea dances, conferences and weddings. Fully functional as a concert hall and multi-use venue, the Assembly Hall still requires capital investment for refurbishment.
Stage and Wurlitzer organ at Worthing's Assembly Hall, from rear of balcony, May 2011.
© The Theatres Trust
Stage and Wurlitzer organ at Worthing's Assembly Hall, from stalls, May 2011.
© The Theatres Trust
Façade and main entrance to Worthing's Assembly Hall, May 2011.
© The Theatres Trust
Dedication 'plaque' in foyer of Worthing's Assembly Hall, May 2011.
© The Theatres Trust
Dressing room at Worthing's Assembly Hall complex, May 2011.
© The Theatres Trust
Bar in the Richmond Room, in Worthing's Assembly Hall complex, May 2011.
© The Theatres Trust
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Events
- 1934 Design/Construction: Town Hall with Assembly Hall behind.
- C Cowles Voysey - Architect
- 1934 Use: continuing (as concert multi-function hall).
- 1934 Design/Construction: Town Hall with Assembly Hall behind.
- Capacities
- Current: 930
- Listings
- Grade II - Listing is for the Town Hall including Assembly Hall and Worthing Room.
