A secret venue, kept hidden from most of the public for almost a century, is set to gain a new lease of life.

The Freemasons’ Hall will fling open its imposing wooden doors to the public for the first time when it is transformed into an events venue.

The Grade II-listed Art Deco building, on Bridge Street, in Spinningfields, has been largely untouched since its completion in 1929.

As The Freemasons’ Hall, it was built as a home for the group to hold their ceremonial meetings.

And the impressive interior was kept secret from anyone who is not part of the ancient brotherhood.

But the building is now set to be reinvented as Manchester Hall.

The architectural features of the hidden gem will be preserved but the building’s rooms will be given a makeover.

A series of stylish restaurants and bars – including a spectacular roof terrace bar – will fill Manchester Hall along with state-of-the-art conference facilities and suites for weddings, private functions and corporate events.

But despite the transformation, the Freemasons will remain in the building and will keep the entire third floor as their domain.

The front of the building is already shrouded in scaffolding, but work on that splendid neo-classical interior will not begin in earnest until the New Year.

But those wanting to enjoy the historic grandeur of the building in its original form have just a few weeks left to book parties, weddings and other events.

Bookings are still being taken up to Christmas for rooms including the former Derby Lodge Room – where the region’s most senior Freemasons have met for generations.

Festive party bookings are being taken with a choice of menu options available or a bespoke service.

Christmas Carvery dates, which includes a three-course buffet lunch for festive celebrations, have been set for the week before Christmas.

The venue is also available for weddings under the gaze of the wood-panelled lodge room’s ‘all seeing eye’ and under the domed ceiling of the Derby Dining Room.

To enquire about booking Manchester Hall, phone 0161 832 6256, or email: info@manchesterhall.co.uk