The hall at Bridge Chambers has been transformed thanks to funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport as part of the Cultural Development Fund, administered by Arts Council England (ACE).
The Cultural Development Fund supports the transformation, upgrading, and creation of arts venues across the UK as part of the Government’s commitment to ensuring that everyone, no matter where they live, can access culture. The Fund aims to improve access to the arts, support local economic growth through culture, and safeguard important local cultural assets for future generations.
In Barnstaple, the funding is being used to invest in two historic buildings, supporting a programme of training and activities designed to inspire culture and creativity. The project will help re-establish the town as a thriving cultural centre by refurbishing the listed Bridge Chambers into an accessible venue for performing arts, learning, creation, and performance.
The refurbishment work is now complete, and the heritage building’s hall has been given a new lease of life. It is now available to hire for performances, rehearsals, business use, and meetings.
Gerry Duffy, Business Manager for the Bridge Trust, said: “The hall and classrooms we have on offer are there to be used, and we want to make sure everyone knows about them. We want to open the doors and invite people in to see the work that has been done. There are endless possibilities for the use of our new spaces.”
Alongside these uses, a curated programme of performances and cultural events will begin in the summer. The hall has been fully renovated into a flexible 90-seat event space, equipped with professional lighting and sound equipment. The performance space is supported by dedicated dressing rooms, and classrooms are also available to hire for workshops and day-to-day activities. This will be complemented by a new concession area, which will include a fully licensed bar.
Graham Townsend, Chair of the Barum Bridge Trust, said: “The hall is a great asset to the town. We want it to be used as much as possible and by as many different organisations as we can encourage. Keep a look out as we announce our opening season. If you would like to use the hall for your performances we’d like to hear from you”.
Councillor Malcolm Prowse, Lead Member for Economic Development and Regeneration at North Devon Council, said: “Bridge Chambers is an important part of Barnstaple’s heritage, and it’s great to see it given a new lease of life for the whole community to enjoy. This project shows what can be achieved when funding, partnership working and local ambition come together, and I’d encourage people to come along to the open day and see the transformation for themselves.”
There will be an open day on Wednesday 6 May from 10am to 4pm for prospective users. Visitors can simply turn up at the front entrance (by the fountain) where they will be guided through the new spaces.
For further information please contact venuebookings@barumbridgetrust.org