THE project to transform Thornbury’s Armstrong Hall complex has been given a massive boost after its main benefactor increased her donation to £1.25 million.
Maggie Lansdown’s initial pledge of £350,000 to kick-start the scheme to revive the Chapel Street venue was instrumental in the decision to go ahead with a major refurbishment last year.
Her support is now going much further, with £1,250,000 provided to help fund work which is expected to see phase one of the venue, renamed The Armstrong, open early this year.
In recognition of her support, the Armstrong team has renamed the main hall in the complex the Lansdown Hall in her honour
They now need to raise a further £1.1 million to fund phase two of the project.
Maggie, the wife of billionaire Bristol City and Bristol Bears owner Steve Lansdown, visited the project over the summer to see how work is progressing.
Donation gives ‘certainty’ to project
Asked about the increased donation, Maggie told the Voice: “My original suggestion was for match-funding, but this doesn’t always give the certainty needed for projects to progress, as money can be irregular.
“This was one of the reasons to make the funds available for the necessary renovations.
“It was great to be showed around by the team and to witness their enthusiasm and commitment to the project. The foyer, particularly, is going to be a really useful space.”
Maggie Lansdown (right) visits the project during the summer, in a black and white photo taken as part of an art project to document the renovations, which will displayed at the reopened venue.
Asked about the Armstrong Team’s decision to rename the main hall the Lansdown Hall, she said: “We are often reluctant to put our name on things, but everyone was very persuasive!”
Charitable incorporated organisation Thornbury Community and Arts is renovating the complex on behalf of the Armstrong Hall Trust.
‘A new and exciting space’
Armstrong team spokesperson Jackie Jackson said the work is “fast transforming the venue into a new and exciting space”.
She said: “The historic and much-loved Cossham Hall is being carefully restored, with a new ceiling, still vaulted to retain its acoustic advantages.
“Meanwhile the foyer and bar area has been totally stripped out and is now taking shape with plans for a new bar, well-equipped catering kitchen, new toilets and an attractive meeting space where everyone can gather.
“The courtyard will also be cleared and replanted to provide a pleasant outside space for an alfresco drink.
“We are hoping that Phase One, so generously funded by Maggie Lansdown, will be up and running in early 2026 and then we hope to move on to Phase Two, the renovation of the main hall, now renamed The Lansdown Hall.
“We now need to raise a further £1.1m to fund Phase Two, so a major fundraising project is under way, vital to unlocking The Armstrong’s potential as a vibrant community hub.
“We need to provide the larger space to bring back the community activities which have been lost due to closure, and provide a fitting stage for the talented drama and musical groups which have given Thornbury such joy over 50 years.
“Everyone can help in some way to bring back this vital and exciting venue.”
People are being encouraged to visit the project’s website, www.thearmstrong.co.uk, to find out how they can donate and give support.
Renovation underway in Cossham Hall
Thornbury Community and Arts has been named as the beneficiary of this year’s Thornbury Christmas Lights Association switch-on event, which takes place on November 15 between 2pm and 7pm, with the switch-on at 6pm.
The team will have a stand at the event for people to find out more about The Armstrong, with TCLA donating all proceeds to the project.