THORNBURY’S much-loved Armstrong Hall complex will be given a new name as part of its new start.
The venue will be known as The Armstrong when it reopens after renovation work, which is about to get underway.
Charity the Armstrong Hall Trust and community interest company Thornbury Community and Arts, who are working together on the £2 million project, say the new name is part of a “fresh start” which will enable the venue to “return with a brand-new look and renewed purpose”.
They have released concept drawings of how parts of the venue will look after the work is complete, which is currently anticipated to be in the middle of next year.
In a joint announcement they said: “The newly-named The Armstrong is set to become a revitalised and dynamic venue for the community.
“Thanks to the expertise of local volunteers and businesses the venue will feature a fresh, contemporary aesthetic while preserving its historic charm.
“With renovations starting in spring, The Armstrong is on track to open its Cossham Hall and Foyer in winter 2025/26, followed by the main 300 seat theatre from mid-2026.
“The ambitious refurbishment project will bring the venue up to modern standards while providing a welcoming space for events, performances, and community gatherings.
“The revitalised venue will feature a fully upgraded foyer with improved accessibility, modernised facilities, and a welcoming bar and function space.”
Once open, the intention is for the venue to host a wide range of events to appeal to all ages and backgrounds, from comedy nights and talks to family theatre, creative workshops and social gatherings.
The organisers said: “Whether you’re looking to be entertained, learn something new, or connect with others in the community, The Armstrong will be the place to be!”
Funding for the first part of the project, bringing the Cossham Hall and foyer back into use, is in place, in large part thanks to a £350,000 donation from Maggie Lansdown, the wife of billionaire Bristol City and Bristol Bears owner Steve Lansdown.
Maggie and Steve both attended the then Thornbury Grammar School in their teens, and last year she told the Voice it was her mother Betty Brock’s experience of attending the Armstrong Hall and Cossham Hall for local events which showed her the value of the “vital” venues to the community.
Although Maggie and Steve, who moved to Guernsey in 2010 after 35 years in Bristol, have not lived in Thornbury, Maggie’s mum lived at the Tanners Court retirement complex in Midland Way for 20 years.
A fundraising campaign will now be launched to secure the funds for the main 300 seat theatre.
Mission is to become ‘the heart of Thornbury’s cultural and social life’ again
Jill Dimond, of Thornbury Community and Arts, said: “The Armstrong is more than just a venue. Our mission is to become again the heart of Thornbury’s cultural and social life.
“With a fresh new look and a professional events team in place, we’re committed to creating an exciting, inclusive, and financially sustainable space that will serve the community for generations to come.”
Last year the Armstrong Trust, which owns the venue on behalf of the people of Thornbury, opted to refurbish it rather than to rebuild it or relocate to Turnberrie’s Community Centre, after a year-long appraisal process and clear public support for retaining the Chapel Street location.
The organisers are now encouraging residents and businesses to get involved with the project through fundraising, volunteering or offering expertise.
People are being urged to get in touch at hello@thearmstrong.co.uk.
The Armstrong now has a website at www.thearmstrong.co.uk, where updates will be posted and people can sign up to a monthly newsletter.