The first stages of an ambitious investment plan worth £50,000 are underway at Newcastle’s most well-established entertainment venue.

The Assembly Rooms, situated on Fenkle Street close to Central Station, is undergoing a series of improvements over the next 12 months to ensure it remains the region’s premier conferencing, wedding and events venue.

The main body of the works being carried out initially is on the ground floor, and will see a complete overhaul of the washroom facilities of the Lower Ball Room and Sovereign Suite, which can jointly accommodate up to 370 people.

Antony Michaelides, owner of the Georgian venue, said: “Top of the agenda for us is to ensure that our refurbishments are sensitive to the building’s rich history and highlight the wonderful, original  features within each of our eight suites, which combined, can accommodate over 1000 people.

“Careful consideration and planning has been required in order to execute the works so there is no disruption to the smooth running of the Assembly Rooms. This is why we are undertaking refurbishments in a number of stages.”

Built in 1776, the Assembly Rooms is one of the region’s oldest entertainment venues, showcasing the very best in Georgian architecture.

Once complete in the lower ballroom, updates will then start on refurbishing the upper first floor which houses the Meldon Suite and Halton Suite, which holding up to 30 and 35 people respectively.

Further general refurbishments are to be carried out across the first floor of the Assembly Rooms which is made up of four rooms, the Chandelier, Regency, Wedgwood and Falstaff. Combined, these suites hold up to 640 people.

Antony adds: “The decision to upgrade the facilities at the Assembly Rooms is part of our commitment to offer our customers the best experience possible as well as ensure that we remain ahead of the market.

“With the likes of Las Iguanas, MacDonalds, Proctor and Gamble and the Royal Institute of British Architecture choosing to hold their conferences with us, we are proud to say that the calibre of our venue certainly matches the calibre of our clients.”