Hall for Cornwall: A Montage of Memories

In a revealing behind the scenes and honest account of the ups and downs of the original
Hall for Cornwall Campaign, authors Chris Warner and Sarah Smith MBE bring together the memories of those
involved in the ambitious project of transforming the semi-derelict City Hall in Truro into a multipurpose venue
concert hall and theatre.

Light-hearted and inclusive, this book is a must-read for all those who were involved in the project, as well as
arts organisations, other theatres and fundraisers.

With a foreword by Benjamin Luxon CBE, Hall for Cornwall not only chronicles a unique project, but is an
inspiration to all those considering embarking on a venture of their own.

In 1997 a brand new £6.5m 1,000 seat theatre and concert hall, which was also home to flea markets and
commercial events, opened in Truro.

The book tells the story of how a small group of people came together to overcome local authority apathy and
rapacious developers and, who, against all the odds, successfully campaigned for a new hall in Truro, Cornwall.
Responsible for the new design of the new hall, they obtained permission to demolish part of a Grade Two*
building, and then raise the £6.5m – about £10m in today’s money – to realise their dream of a fit for purpose
replacement.

The story is told in a light-hearted way by the many people who, led by Chris Warner and Sarah Smith, helped
to make it all happen. They have contributed their individual memories, be they kitchen staff or architects,
structural engineers, or fundraisers.

They tell how and why the building was designed at that time, how they fundraised, who they cajoled into
getting involved, from development to delivery.