Motherwell Concert Hall and Theatre was a multipurpose entertainment venue located near the centre of Motherwell. Unfortunately, the venue had to close due to structural issues.
The experienced events team are now based at Airdrie Town Hall delivering a varied programme of concerts, productions and community events.
Motherwell’s Civic Theatre and Concert Hall was officially opened in December 1970. The Burgh of Motherwell and Wishaw council took the decision in 1961 to build a new civic complex, including a ‘functional…and multi-purpose building’ as part of a major town improvement development.
After an international architecture competition overseen by A. G. Sheppard Fiddler, Vice President of the Royal Institute of British Architects, the complex was designed by Peter Williams from architects Wylie and Shanks of Glasgow.
The foundation stone was laid by Provost Edward McCardle in September 1965 when Glasgow firm Whatlings (Buildings) Ltd started work on the £2.25million project. A grant of £150,600 from the Arts Council in Scotland was received towards the creation of the new concert hall and theatre.
The opening show in the theatre was a ‘Carol Pageant’ including a ‘Celebratory Recital’ run by the Scottish School’s Theatre Arts Society in December 1969. The Right Honourable Lord Clydesmuir CB MBE, TD, LL.D, Lord Lieutenant of the County of Lanark officially opened the full complex a year later.
Adverts for the new building boasted of the ‘latest sophistications in acoustic techniques and unrivalled lighting equipment.’ The new facility proved popular for works’ dances and theatrical shows with TV and Radio stars of the day. The original ticket price for a show was 10 shillings, which is roughly equivalent to just over £5 in today’s money!
The first of the ever-popular pantomimes to take place in the ‘Civic’ was Dick Whittington in 1971. In the first 40 years of its existence the building was been home to major snooker and boxing events, numerous national performing companies, as well as musical icons such as The Charlatans, Paul Weller and Bob the Builder!
