Our Transformation
Building our Beacon – a leading national and regional centre for the performing arts
The once-in-a-generation transformation of Bristol Beacon will provide the city and the South West with one of the best performance and music learning spaces in Europe.
The transformation will form Phase Two of Bristol’s most extensive ever redevelopment programme in the arts sector. The first stage involved the construction of the £20 million foyer space, which opened in 2009.
Phase Two began in September 2018 and will be completed in 2023 with the opening of three international standard performance spaces and a National Centre for music performance, education and enterprise.
This celebratory space full of warmth and light will be where music lovers meet, and everyone belongs.
What we are building
The transformation of Bristol Beacon will make a vital space for music in the city.
About the Transformation
Supporting the cultural future of Bristol, we will provide the city and the South West with the world-class concert venue it deserves. Our landmark project will:
- BUILD an exceptional classical and contemporary music venue for Bristol
- CREATE world-class spaces for education and enterprise
- BREATHE new life into wonderful Victorian buildings by opening up and restoring the unique Bristol Byzantine colonnades and 150-year-old historic façade
- PROVIDE greater comfort for audiences and artists with new seating and air-conditioning
- IMPROVE backstage facilities for artists
- REVITALISE The Lantern, creating a beautiful and flexible space for use as both a performance venue and conference facility
- OPEN up our incredible Victorian cellars to create a third performance space
- HELP thousands of young people every year through our award-winning education and outreach work.
Impact and vision
A landmark transformation of the city’s cultural centre that will set the stage for another 150 years of music in Bristol.
Prior to the start of our transformation programme in 2018, every year, some 300,000 people packed out our venue and we played host to 15,000 artists and musicians, while delivering music education to 30,000 young people across the city.
The £106.9 million project is underwritten by principal funder Bristol City Council, and so far over £40 million has also been raised from other sources, thanks to financial commitments that include:
- £16.2 million from Arts Council England (the largest single capital award made by ACE in the South West)
- £5.2 million from HM Treasury
- £4.75 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund
- £11.4 million from the West of England Combined Authority
- £4.5 million from numerous individual donations, trusts foundations and sponsorship agreements
Click to find out more about what our landmark transformation will deliver.
Our transformation promise
Our transformation promise
As well as transforming our spaces, we have committed to transforming our organisation.
Our Story
Our Story
Since 1867 we have been at the heart of Bristol’s cultural life. Challenge and change have been embraced with one thing in mind: to keep amazing live music playing.
Our new name
Our new name
In September 2020 we changed our name to Bristol Beacon. Discover more about the change.
Support our Transformation
Play your part in the journey of the South West’s largest redevelopment programme in the arts sector.