To mark the launch of a new public giving campaign to support the transformation of Colston Hall in Bristol, new artist impressions and plans for the redevelopment of the building have been revealed.
Bristol Music Trust, the registered charity that runs Colston Hall, launched its new appeal, 8 November, asking the people of Bristol to help ‘Transform the Hall’. The campaign offers individuals the chance to donate to help secure the next 150 years of the Hall.
Already, the team has secured £40.9m against a target of £48.8m, which will be the biggest ever redevelopment to take place in Bristol’s arts sector.
The aim behind the transformation of Colston Hall is to create one of the best arts and learning facilities in the country and includes remodelling and upgrading the Main Hall and The Lantern, opening up the extensive cellars for the first time in 150 years – creating a new intimate performance space and a state-of-the-art education suite – as well as refurbishing the historic fabric of the building.
The public appeal offers individuals the chance to make a one-off donation or name a seat by making a monthly donation from £5 per month for four years. Donors will receive a plaque on their chosen seat in the newly transformed Hall.
Louise Mitchell, chief executive of Bristol Music Trust, commented: “This year as we’ve celebrated our 150th anniversary we’ve been overwhelmed by the number of personal stories and memories we’ve received, highlighting the significance the Hall has played in so many people’s lives.
“Now, we’re asking the public to seize this moment to help secure another 150 years of special memories and experiences for their friends, families and future generations. We’re inviting people to name a seat and be a part of this transformational moment in the venue’s history.
“The Hall hasn’t been updated since it opened in the 1950s so it’s long overdue a transformational refurbishment that will give Bristol and the South West a world class venue to be proud of.”
The first phase of the transformation involved the construction of the £20m foyer space, which opened in 2009. The rest of the building has not been refurbished for 60 years, making it the only major concert hall in the UK not to have been redeveloped in recent times.
The transformation programme includes:
– Transforming the Main Hall and increasing standing capacity by 15%, with major changes to the stage and equipping it with international standards of acoustics and comfort, including new air conditioning and flexible seating for disabled people
– Transforming The Lantern into an elegant and versatile performance venue with the historic plasterwork sensitively restored
– Creating a programme of over 650 live events each year from 2020, increasing ticket sales by 35%
– Creating 49 additional jobs by 2020-2021
The transformation is being overseen by architects Levitt Bernstein.
So far, over £40m has been raised thanks to financial commitments that include £10m from Bristol City Council, £5m from HM Treasury, £10m from Arts Council England, £4.75m from the Heritage Lottery Fund, £5m from the Local Enterprise Partnership and support from local donors and Trusts and Foundations.
