New photos of Bristol Beacon transformation revealed

Bristol Beacon has revealed a final behind-the-scenes look at its historic transformation ahead of its reopening in November.

The building has undergone a multi-million pound renovation since its closure in 2018, and will reopen on November 30.

The mayor announced on his blog on Tuesday that delivery partners Bristol Music Trust (BMT) will continue to run the venue for at least another 30 years.

The transformed venue was designed by architecture practice Levitt Bernstein, with the help of world-renowned acoustician, Bob Essert, in the hopes of making it one of the best concert venues in the world.

London artist Rana Begum designed the seat coverings in the main auditorium and drapes in the Lantern Hall

All three concert halls, Beacon Hall, Lantern Hall and Weston Stage, have been renovated, with no expense spared.

Some of the key changes include the installation of upper and lower balcony seating in Beacon Hall with fabric for the seats designed by London-based artist Rana Begum.

The Lantern Hall is almost complete, with new seating, and state-of-the art sound and light systems.

The Lantern Hall’s previously bordered up windows have now been exposed

Many of the building’s original renderings have been restored

The previously bordered up windows have now been exposed for the first time since the 1930s, and will be covered by drapes also designed by Rana Begum.

The historic Lantern space has been kitted out with a new floor which will hold a bar and a specially commissioned tiled artwork by Giles Round.

The hall beneath will also hold a new restaurant, with management soon to be announced.

A new floor has been added to the concert hall to hold a bar

A new tile artwork by London artist Giles Round has been commissioned for the bar space. Giles is known for his tiled artworks on the London Underground

Diners will be able to look out floor to ceiling windows onto Colston Street, and fans of the main auditorium’s 1950s chandeliers will be pleased to know the restored lights will be retained in the hall.

An impressive renovation has also taken place in the building’s cellar, which was previously unusable due to damp and safety concerns.

The Weston Stage will be a new late night club and events space, with potential to open until 4am

A state-of-the art music education space for young people has been installed, which will house music rooms, studios and a new club space.

One of the most interesting features of the new building is the construction of a 50 millimetre gap between the main auditorium and the rest of the building, which runs up the height of the building separating it into two.

The Victorian glass ceiling in the Lantern hall has been restored to let in natural light to the space

Bob Essert requested the gap to ensure that sound wasn’t absorbed from the main auditorium, and that the halls could operate simultaneously without a sound clash.

Bristol Beacon will also be one of the only public buildings in the city to install a ‘Changing Places’ toilet, the gold standard accessible restroom facility.

Public art is also being installed across the building, with Linda Brothwell’s balustrade going up outside the historic Lantern foyer in the next few weeks.

A new balustrade by Linda Brothwell is due to be installed in the Lantern hall

Bristol Beacon hopes to deliver around 800 events a year, including 100 performance slots each year dedicated to championing Bristol-based artists.

Seat capacity in the new venue will increase from 2,400 to 2,920, with audience numbers expected to grow from 300,000 a year to 500,000.

Beacon chiefs say the concert halls will generate at least £13m for the local economy in its first year and support more than 270 full-time equivalent jobs.

And over the next 20 years, they say it is projected to contribute a potential £253.7 million to the Bristol economy.

Bristol Beacon’s opening night takes place on November 30, with a new commission from the Bristol-based Paraorchestra, electronic composer Surgeons Girl and AV experts Limbic Cinema.

All photos: Paul Blakemore

Read next:

• Bristol Beacon announce reopening orchestral season
• Arts council seek ‘urgent meeting’ with city council over Bristol Beacon
• Bristol creatives demand end to ‘damaging’ arts funding delay

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