News / Arts
Colston Hall and St George’s funding success
Two Bristol venues are set to receive almost £12m in capital investment from Arts Council England.
£10m has been made available for the redevelopment of the Colston Hall, while St George’s has been awarded £1.76m towards its own major rebuilding project.
The two venues work closely together and Thursday’s announcement is a ringing endorsement of the value of the arts in Bristol and the south west, according to ACE area director Phil Gibby.
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“Working in partnership with Bristol City Council, we have invested substantially in the city’s arts and culture, and we are seeing the impact as Bristol is increasingly recognised as a major creative hub with a rich artistic offer for residents and visitors alike,” Gibby said.
The Colston Hall’s Thank You for the Music appeal was launched in September 2014. Since then, a third of the money has been raised following commitments from the Government (£5m) and Bristol City Council (£10m).
The ACE investment of £401,913 to develop a detailed funding bid for a potential £10m investment after a successful first stage application, would bring the total committed up to £25m.
Redevelopment plans include remodelling the existing main auditorium, redeveloping the second hall and opening up the historic cellars.
Bristol Music Trust chief executive Louise Mitchell said: “This announcement is the best start to 2016 that our transformation campaign could wish for. It’s a huge vote of confidence from Arts Council England in our plans to redevelop Colston Hall and make sure we take our place as one of the best arts and learning facilities in the country.”
St George’s £5.5m Building a Sound Future project will give the Great George Street venue new performance, education and gallery spaces, a cafe-bar, restored gardens, and improved disability access.
St George’s chief executive Suzanne Rolt said: “Funding from Arts Council England means we can go forward with confidence to transform this beautiful venue and to take it into the 21st century.”
Visit our What’s On guide to see upcoming events at the Colston Hall and St George’s
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