A NORTH hall which faced closure could re-open in 2007 as part of an £8m scheme.

The Grade II* listed Royal Hall theatre in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, faced the possibility of permanent closure or mothballing after crumbling concrete forced it to close several months ago.

Before closure on safety grounds, the upper circle had been sealed off to the public and there was a partial ceiling collapse.

Brighter news about the ornate building came when Harrogate Borough Council announced that following a study of what can be achieved with £8m -£6m from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and £2m from the council.

Initial findings of the study suggest the 102-year-old building can be repaired.

It is hoped that a partial restoration would convince the HLF to fully commit the £6m.

Council leader Mike Gardner said the £8m would mean the Royal Hall is re-opened.

Work is likely to include repairs to the building's structure, weatherproofing, work to the rear of the stage, improved disabled access, new seating in the grand hall and grand circle, and decorative repairs in the front-of-house.

The partial restoration, however, would not include reopening the upper circle, which means the capacity of the hall would be reduced to 800 from 1,200.

Coun Gardner said: "Authentic redecoration and introduction of period seating could form part of a further restoration project as and when funds become available."

The Tory leader of the council said that making sure the work did not go over budget would be a key criteria.

Councillor Geoff Webber, the leader of the council's opposition LibDem group, said: "I am delighted with the news and hope that this signals the first stage of a full restoration."

Earlier, Lilian Mina, chairwoman of the Royal Hall Restoration Trust, which is raising money towards work, said she was optimistic the building would re-open.

Prince Charles, the trust's patron, expressed his delight at the progress to partially restore the building, where cement from its original building is seriously deteriorating.

Down the years the Royal Hall has been used as an exhibition centre, theatre, for wrestling, bingo and even a sellout performance by The Beatles.

It was opened by Sir Hubert Parry in 1902.