World-Class Music and Education Venue in a Grade II Listed Building

Commissioned by Bristol City Council, this project transformed a historic Grade II listed building into a renowned music venue, charity, and award-winning education hub. Over six years, Craddys worked alongside Willmott Dixon and design team to overcome the many challenges presented by the building’s complex, historically altered fabric, delivering a venue that has become a major focus in the regeneration of this part of Bristol.

Craddys were appointed on a structures-led basis to provide both temporary and permanent works design. Our scope expanded from initial temporary works checking to include secondary steelwork and timber design, lintel scheduling, reinforcement detailing, and continuous advice on the existing masonry, stonework, and timber structure. All interventions were carefully designed to respect the historic character while meeting modern structural and safety standards.

The project faced significant constraints, including unknown construction types, delicate and rubble-infilled walls, tight working spaces, and a fixed programme for opening. Craddys developed sensitive, innovative structural solutions throughout, enabling the safe renovation of the building’s fragile fabric and supporting its successful transformation into a world-class music and education venue.