AS the Albert Halls prepares to raise the curtain on its multi-million pound transformation, The Bolton News was invited in for an exclusive tour.

Work on the Grade II listed building started in August 2015 and will open to invited guests for a preview tour on Thursday following a £6.5 million transformation to restore it to its former glory.

The project, under the leadership of Donna Ball, assistant director of place, has restored the halls' grand historic features, while bringing them into the 21st century.

Carpets have been lifted to reveal the original flooring from the 1800s — including a striking mosaic — while the council chamber is now equipped with digital equipment so the people of Bolton can see democracy in action.

In the Albert Hall, the organ has been removed and restored.

Mrs Ball said: “We had to preserve it. I know there has been some controversy over the money that has been spent on the place, but I think it is absolutely vital, as it is part of Bolton’s history.

“Buildings like this need preserving. If we don’t keep them they will just be consigned to history. They will be gone and all we will have is pictures of what used to stand there.

“A lot of money has gone on what you can’t see, such as the heating, ventilation and the roof. Hopefully we have preserved it for another 100 years.”

It may be the case that 80 per cent of the work was behind the scenes, but visitors cannot help but struck by the transformation.

Striking features include the original, and now extremely rare, Victorian Minton floor, which has been hidden from public view under carpeting. Modern day lighting blends in with the original lighting of the halls, while the stone features have been cleaned up and the walls feature classic colours.

The history of Bolton is portrayed throughout the halls, with a corridor featuring the past mayors of Bolton, while another corridor will pay tribute to the town’s influential woman and the poignant Hall of Remembrance. Tables which were used more than 100 years ago have been polished up for the conference rooms.

More of the town’s historic silver is also on display.

Mrs Ball said: “There is no point in preserving them if people cannot see them and the decision was taken to expose the flooring where we could.

“I knew this would be a big challenge, but it was one of those projects where you feel you are leaving your mark.”

The theatre, the centrepiece, is modern, while still retaining its old fashioned glamour, and will stage a dozen high quality productions a year, with the first likely to be a Christmas pantomime.

A restaurant is due to open soon.

Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Cliff Morris, said: “We are delighted that work has now been completed on the conservation and regeneration of the Albert Halls.

“We have taken great care and attention in restoring the halls and wherever possible we have retained and repaired the original features, such as staircases, fireplaces and chandeliers, as we know it is an important building for Bolton people.

“The roof repairs and stonework repairs were essential as part of ongoing maintenance and the work will help maintain the building for many more years to come.

“Meanwhile the restoration of the Festival Hall, Lancaster Suite and other conference rooms will allow us to provide a modern multi-purpose venue, suitable for a range of activities from weddings to conferences.”