Detailed design work for the transformation of Bristol’s Colston Hall is to go ahead following approval of a £1.6m investment by Bristol City Council’s cabinet.
The funding for Bristol Music Trust, which runs the venue, is part of a wider plan by the council to continue to support the Bristol Old Vic, St George’s and Colston Hall phase II capital projects to create a city with world-class cultural venues.
Cabinet members made clear their commitment to invest in Bristol’s cultural venues and the importance of Colston Hall as part of the city’s arts and education offer.
Colston Hall launched its £45m Thank You for the Music appeal in September 2014. Since then the Government, Bristol City Council and Arts Council England have together earmarked £25m for work.
The ambitious plans would revitalise the venue’s two existing concert halls, improving acoustics and comfort for audiences while a third hall would also open.
Work has been scheduled to started in 2017 – the hall’s 150th anniversary year – and finish two years later.
Bristol Music Trust chief executive Louise Mitchell said: “It is wonderful to see our plans so well received by the cabinet.
“We are now able to move forward with the next stage of our plans. As the last major concert hall to be redeveloped in the UK, we now have a real opportunity to become a national leader in music and music education. The transformation of Colston Hall will ensure that we continue to bring together Bristol’s diverse communities and young people in the heart of the city.”
Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees said: “Supporting our local venues is a big part of sustaining Bristol’s cultural economy. This investment in the Colston Hall, Bristol Old Vic and St George’s will help them secure their futures as centres of culture.
“It’s important that we invest in the city’s cultural infrastructure much like we do our housing and transport. This sector contributes over £260m a year to the city’s economy, creating jobs, boosting tourism and supporting local business and enterprise. I will continue to work with partners globally, nationally and locally to ensure that the sector continues to thrive.”
The £1.6m, from the £10m that was pledged by Bristol City Council in 2015, will enable Bristol Music Trust to move to the next stage in the planning process, including detailed architectural design work.
