Since its beginnings, when Andrew Usher made his historic gift of £100,000 to the City of Edinburgh in July 1896 to found a concert hall, the Usher Hall has become one of the most outstanding concert halls in the world. A landmark in the heart of Scotland's capital, it stands for the highest level of musical and civic participation and for the best part of a century it has hosted some of the greatest concerts and events in the city. It has been at the centre of the Edinburgh International Festival since 1947.

Just after a concert in 1996 part of the plaster from the ceiling came loose and the building was closed. The City of Edinburgh set about a major £9 million renovation project. Over the next two years all electrical systems were fully renewed and new heating and ventilation systems installed. Repairs to the ceiling and complete redecoration of the auditorium and foyer areas were carried out, including new seating. The Usher Hall's historic organ was also completely renovated.

Since the hall re-opened in December 1999 we have gone from strength to strength with new and innovative programming. With this in mind it was decided that to bring the Hall into the 21st century a second phase of development to the building was required.

Following an extensive period of consultation with audiences and users of the Hall, a plan was designed to provide us with new and upgraded facilities. This is the work that is currently taking place around you.

Our aspiration is to improve access, facilities and spaces.

The completion of our Phase II development will ensure that the Usher Hall becomes a real powerhouse of creativity and inspiration as well as offering a superb service to our customers. The plan involves:

• Constructing a contemporary glass wing, embracing the existing architecture that will become the life force of the building, housing open and friendly public areas together with space for the administration team and new hospitality areas.
• Creating proper physical access to the hall with the installation of lifts and stairs that connect each level and really open up all areas of the building for the first time.
• Delivering exciting and fun education programmes, which will be helped by the creation of a new workshop with equipment, based in the heart of the building.
• Improving the facilities for the wonderful musicians, conductors and artists that you come here to enjoy.