An urgent meeting has been requested by Arts Council England with the city council due to growing concerns over the handling of the renovations of Bristol Beacon. The costs for the historic venue - which is owned by Bristol City Council - have spiralled in recent months with the latest total estimated at almost £132 million.
Bristol City Council is now exploring its future with Bristol Beacon ahead of the reopening. Both the council and Bristol Beacon have confirmed that discussions have been in place for some time regarding the management of the music venue. Bristol Music Trust - the charity responsible for the day-to-day running of the venue - currently has a 30-year lease with no break clause.
The trust was founded by Bristol City Council in 2011, as part of the condition of the capital funding from Arts Council England for the foyer development of Bristol Beacon in 2009, estimated at around £20 million, and any changes to the break clause may impact the Arts Council’s funding.
