A new exhibition opening on Wednesday showcases the second phase of Bristol’s biggest ever redevelopment programme in the arts sector.

In the year in which it celebrates its 150th anniversary, the Colston Hall is inviting the public to comment on the latest proposals and artist’s impressions before they are submitted for planning.

Colston Hall bosses hope that the redevelopment will create one of the best arts and learning facilities in the UK, as well as remodelling and upgrading the main hall, Lantern, cellars and historic foyer spaces.

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The Colston Hall is the only major concert hall in the UK not to have been redeveloped in recent times

The transformation programme includes:

– Remodelling the main hall, with major changes to the stage and equipping it with international standards of acoustics, comfort and flexibility including new seating and air conditioning

– Redeveloping The Lantern into an elegant and versatile performance venue

– Opening up the historic cellars for the first time in 100 years to create a cabaret style performance area and education areas for lifelong learning, including new classrooms and a technology lab

– Restoring the historic foyer and the Colston Street frontage

– Opening up the Byzantine colonnades on Colston Street and restoring the building’s 150 year old historic façade

– Exceeding national accessibility requirements for disabled people, creating fully accessible education facilities so that around 1,800 local disabled children can learn

The first phase of the Colston Hall’s redevelopment involved the construction of the £20 million foyer space, which opened in 2009

Bristol Music Trust chief executive Louise Mitchell, chief executive said: “As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Colston Hall we enter a key stage in the second phase of our ambitious transformation programme.

“The Hall hasn’t been updated since the 1950s so it’s long overdue a refurbishment that will give Bristol and the South West a world class venue to be proud of.

Bristol City Council deputy mayor Estella Tincknell added: “Colston Hall plays an important part in the region’s cultural infrastructure, supporting the city’s economy and delivering educational opportunities for young people from across the city.

“The next phase of redevelopment will allow this important venue to develop its full potential as a national leader in the arts and music education.”

The Lantern

The plans will be on show in the Colston Hall foyer until February 24 and available online at www.colstonhall.org/transformation/public-consultation.

Drop-in sessions when the project team will be available to answer questions on the plans take place on Thursday, February 9 from 4pm-7pm and Saturday, February 11 from 10am-4pm.

A new staircase in The Lantern foyer

Read more: Colston Hall to celebrate 150th birthday in style