It has cost £46,500 so far - and that is just for the scaffolding. But theatre chiefs are convinced St George's Hall will emerge better than ever after its biggest ever repair works.

On Monday contractors will move onto the 80ft scaffolding to start on the problems in the walkways over the stage and cracks to the ceiling. As previously reported, Council chiefs ordered the closure of the hall last month after cracks were found in plasterwork on the ceiling.

It was expected to be closed for three weeks but this was later revised to at least January with many high-profile acts postponed, rearranged or cancelled.

Reports from timber and plaster experts and structural engineers are due before the end of the week when the full cost will be calculated. Gerry Clifford, pictured, customer operations manager for Bradford Theatres, said work was expected to be completed by January 4 for a Halle concert.

"I feel quite shocked seeing the old building in this state," he said. "It looks in a really sad state, a bit lost, as if the building is sleeping. It needs its life back." Scrutiny by English Heritage experts is ensuring the listed building retains its place in history. A London company which specialises in old plasterwork is coming to oversee the work.

Massive pieces of ornate plaster featuring flowers, musical instruments and faces will be removed, repaired, then put back. Most of the work will be concentrated in the stage area and the walkway used by lighting crews. Around 16,000 concert-goers have been contacted as a host of stars have been given new venues or their shows postponed.