News / Arts
Colston Hall boost with ?5m Treasury funding
Just over a week since Colston Hall bosses went cap in hand to the Houses of Parliament, the Government have committed £5 million of funding towards the renovation of the historic Bristol venue.
Chief secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander will make the announcement on Friday morning.
Despite the figure being half what has already been pledged by Bristol City Council, it is hoped that this promise from the Government will be able to unlock further investment.
is needed now More than ever
Alexander said: “Colston Hall is an extremely important local and national musical institution. I am delighted to announce £5 million of Government funding for the regeneration fund today, in response to the passionate and dedicated campaign by Thank You For The Music and local MP and communities minister Stephen Williams.
“This funding will help ensure that the Hall continues to be enjoyed by generations to come, and I urge everyone in Bristol and beyond to continue to support the campaign.”
The £45 million Thank You For The Music appeal hopes not just to transform the Victorian building but also make Bristol “the UK Capital for Young People’s Music”, enhancing what is already the only music education hub in the country to be located in a professional performance venue.
Bristol Music Trust chief executive Louise Mitchell added: “I am thrilled that the importance of Bristol Music Trust and our ambitious plans to transform Colston Hall have now been recognised by central government. There is still more to do to ensure the successful transformation of the Hall and our campaign will continue. However, this is a fantastic first step towards us securing the future of the Hall for future generations.
“I am delighted to welcome the Chief Secretary to the Treasury to the Hall today and all Bristolians should be grateful to Stephen Williams for his steadfast championing of the Thank You for the Music campaign.”
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