Toronto landmark the Great Hall has tons of character and history, as well as being one of the more beautiful venues in town, but unfortunately the facilities themselves have often put a damper on events held there. While there have been great improvements on how the bar runs, and there’s less and less chaos at the door, the battered old sound system makes it painfully obvious at times that it’s not a conventional venue. Sure, the place may look great, but when all you hear is mud, would you really want to check out your favourite band there?
That reputation should be changing very soon though, as Wrongbar owner Nav Sangha has teamed up with the Lakeview Restaurant’s Alex Sengupta and Fadi Hakim to take over the historic space, and they’re promising to make some big improvements over the next few months. We tracked Sangha down to find out exactly what they have planned.
What’s this we hear about you getting involved with the Great Hall?
We’ve taken over management and ownership of the Great Hall, and hope to make it greater with a new improved sound rig, better logistics for live bands and promoters and eventually a full restoration. We will also be booking out a full recording studio and rehearsal facility on the premises.
We’re also developing a street level bistro/cafe that will be open seven days a week, a co-working facility on the third floor, and improving and expanding the weddings and special events which the Hall regularly hosts.
Co-working facility? What the hell is that?
Shared work and creative space. Shared administrative services, work space and boardroom facilities for artists and designers. Members pay daily, weekly or monthly rates. It’s basically an expansion of the office spaces we currently have on site for groups like SummerWorks and the Theatre Centre.
Speaking of the Theatre Centre, how will it be affected by the changes?
The Theatre Centre will remain in the lower level of the building, and our partnerships with local arts groups like SummerWorks and Manifesto will continue.
How long is it going to be before we actually see these changes?
An upgraded sound and lighting rig is planned for October 2011. The launch of our street level bistro is planned for November. The recording studio/rehearsal space is currently available for session rental. Booking inquires can be made to myself or Mark Foster.
How are the new liquor law changes going to affect unconventional venues like the Great Hall?
New changes to the licensing process for tiered seating effective this month should now allow us to finally license the balcony area.
