Music / Colston Hall
‘It’s good to see something is changing’
Following the announcement of major renovations, the public are being asked for their views on Colston Hall’s future, through several community consultation days, including sessions in Knowle West and St Pauls.
Sarah Roberston, the communications and special projects director at the venue, explained that the change wasn’t simply concerned with history, saying “It’s more than a logo or a name.” Instead, the venue is using the community sessions to focus on visions for the future, with input from local people.
In April 2017, Colston Hall announced that, as well as undertaking £48.8m renovations, the venue would also have a new name, many hoping that this would distance the site from historic slave-trader Edward Colston, an association which has long been a point of contention.
is needed now More than ever
“It’s good to see something is changing” local resident Judy Daváa said at one of the five consultation sessions in St Pauls. “But they’ve got to follow it through”.
She maintained that the gatherings also highlighted a need for the venue to continue engaging with the community.
Others at the session agreed, with Leroy Clemmings saying that this kind of interaction with local people “Should be done a lot more”.
Local musician and producer Nick Bignall agreed, saying that the gatherings were “Very helpful, it’s gives people a voice”.
One of the displays, detailing the site’s future renovations.
Emily Smith, community development worker at Knowle West Alliance, said that “It’s really good that they’ve come to community locations, it makes you feel like they do value your opinion”.
Emily also discussed the benefits of the redevelopment for young people in the city, as the renovations will provide them with a space in Bristol that “they can be a part of”.
Head of marketing at Colston Hall, Andy Boreham, agreed, saying the implementation of a recording space in the disused cellars was a great resource for supporting emerging talent, especially urban artists.
Coming away from the consultation sessions in Knowle West and St Pauls, the collaborative approach between the community and staff at the venue is going to ensure Colston Hall will be a music destination for the city to be proud of.
The Colston Hall host their final consultation session 9am – 8pm at Southmead’s Greenway Centre on Monday 11 February.
Read more: Have your say on Colston Hall’s new name
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
