• Swindon & Wiltshire Culture
• Friday May 9 2025
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Bristol Beacon’s £183 million makeover wins design awards

The Bristol Beacon – which underwent a £183 million redevelopment in 2023 – has won two prestigious Civic Trust awards which recognise design excellence in the built environment.

Run by the Bristol Music Trust and supported by Bristol City Council, the Bristol Beacon has been transformed into one of the best concert halls in the UK.

Alec French Architects supported the main contractor Willmott Dixon on the restoration project, which was designed by London-based architects Levitt Bernstein.

Bristol Beacon has earned a Civic Trust Award for its outstanding contribution to the quality and appearance of the built environment.

Winners of the award must demonstrate excellence in design, whilst being sustainable, accessible and providing a positive civic contribution.

The extensively restored concert venue also won a Selwyn Goldsmith Award for Universal Design during the same awards ceremony.

The coveted award recognises projects that are exemplary in providing inclusive and accessible environments for all users, regardless of age, ability, or background, going beyond standard regulations to demonstrate best practice in universal design.

The judges called the venue “a stunning example of how a historic building can be transformed to meet modern needs while retaining its cultural and architectural significance. By revitalising this treasured landmark, the project has ensured that Bristol remains a leading city for music, education, and artistic innovation.”

The judges added: “In its thoughtful design and community-driven approach, the Bristol Beacon sets a global benchmark for accessible, user-centric cultural venues, showcasing the power of inclusive architecture to inspire and unite.”

David Yorke, an associate at Alec French Architects said: “We are thrilled that the Bristol Beacon has won two more prestigious awards for design excellence, having made an outstanding contribution to the quality of the built environment.

“Our role was to support the contractor, Willmott Dixon, and ensure that the full structural and services co-ordination of the inside of the building met the challenging brief, specifications and constraints.

“Regular liaison with the client team including Levitt Bernstein and structural engineers Arup meant that the original design intent was adhered to throughout the construction of this high quality and complex project.”

Among the highlights for 2025 is the return, for a second year, of the BBC Proms in the summer. As well as classical music the venue also plays host to jazz, rock, pop, and dance music acts and to live comedy.