Bristol's Colston Hall transformation faces major delay

The Colston Hall is undergoing a multi-million transformation, which has hit a major setback. Credit: ITV West Country

Bristol's Colston Hall was due to re-open next year after a £48.8m revamp but it's been put back to autumn 2021 because of its 'delicate Victorian structure'.

The concert venue closed in June 2018 for a multi-million refurbishment. It was meant to be back in business in 2020 with a new name, ending its association with the slave trader Edward Colston.

Demolition took place in February 2019 - the main stage will be completely replaced in the revamp. Credit: Paul Box

Following demolition work, it has become clear that the renovations will take much longer, due to the nature of the building.

Artist's impression of what the new stage will look like. Credit: Bristol Music Trust

The delays obviously have implications for the funding of the project. The Bristol Music Trust, which runs the venue, hopes the £3.4m gap will be filled by a grant from the West of England Combined Authority.

In the meantime the trust will continue to provide live music, drama and workshops using the foyer, which has stayed open, and other Bristol venues.

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