Culture Minister backs campaign to revamp Bristol’s Colston Hall
4th June 2015
Culture Secretary Ed Vaizey has given his backing to the next stage of revamping Bristol’s much-loved Colston Hall.
He said during a trip to the city that an upgrade was “vital” for such an important building of historical and cultural importance.
The previous Coalition Government pledged £5million towards the £45million transformation campaign although it had been hoped that the sum would have been £10million to match the amount that the city council has promised.
Mr Vaizey’s visit followed a letter of support earlier this year for the redevelopment of the hall.
After his visit, he said: “I was delighted to tour Bristol’s wonderful Colston Hall and see first-hand the transformation programme taking shape at such a historical and important cultural venue in Bristol.
“Bristol needs a world class venue and therefore redevelopment of the concert hall is vital.
“The Government has backed this redevelopment project with an announcement of £5 million towards the refurbishment work which will no doubt enhance the venue’s reputation even further and ensure it continues to attract first class live music and entertainment.”
Louise Mitchell, Chief Executive of Bristol Music Trust, said: “We are extremely grateful for the support that Mr Vaizey has already shown us and for the £5 million pledged towards the transformation in the last Parliament.
“We were thrilled to welcome him to the Hall today and show him first-hand what we are setting out to achieve with our transformation campaign.
“It was a fantastic opportunity to update the Minister on the work of Bristol Plays Music, which provides an education programme that is setting the standard nationally. We are leading the programme for the West of England to ensure that music education reaches into all communities, to those hard to reach and socially excluded groups, as well as those with special educational needs and disabilities. Through our transformation programme, we are aiming to become a national centre for diversity and accessibility.
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