Public halls

This publication is intended for Valuation Officers. It may contain links to internal resources that are not available through this version.

1. Introduction

The description “public hall” has been used for a wide variety of property from village halls to concert halls.

The aim of this section is to assist in correctly identifying the various types of public halls and to advise where guidance on each may be found.

2. Description

Public halls fall into the following types:

a.Theatres, concert halls and opera houses

These properties tend to have a permanent box office and a programme of events open to the general public. They would also have an auditorium with permanent seating, particularly raked seats, and are used wholly or mainly as a venue for musical or theatrical performances.

Guidance on such properties can be found in RM 5: Section 1050.

b.Village halls, church halls, scout huts and community centres

These properties tend to have a management committee made up of user group representatives and elected members with income being from user groups (such as playgroups, senior citizen clubs, youth organisations) and from single events such as wedding receptions, horticultural shows and “one off” musical, theatrical or dancing activities.

Guidance on properties that fall into this type can be found in RM 5: Section 475.

c. Conference and exhibition centres

These properties vary from the multi-purpose halls used for trade exhibitions and “Arena Events” such as 5-a-side football to the larger complex with separate buildings for each type of event, eg. conference hall/theatre; exhibition hall; arena.

Guidance on properties falling into this type can be found in RM 5: Section 290.