When plans were unveiled to revive a long-closed community venue in the historic market town of Thornbury in South Gloucestershire, the ambition was clear, not just to restore what was there, but to reawaken its spirit and reimagine it for a new generation.
Once a thriving cultural hub and 300-seat theatre, embraced for festivals, community events and national comedy acts, the venue closed during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and remained dormant for several years. Its absence left a noticeable gap within the community, making its revival not just a refurbishment, but a meaningful cultural reinstatement. It was made possible by a generous donation from a local individual, sparking refurbishment discussions at the end of 2024 and setting plans in motion for a reopening in April 2026.
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The charity-run venue is powered entirely by volunteers, while interior designer Chloe Mills, owner of Element Seven Interiors, guided the refurbishment with a design-focussed lens. Her approach brings a strong design narrative to a building rooted in memory, carefully balancing contemporary intervention with a deep respect for the venue’s past. The brief focused on creating a space that felt inclusive, accessible and practical for modern use, while retaining a strong connection to the venue’s heritage.
The refreshed venue features The Foyer, an 80-capacity bar area, and the Cossham Hall, a 150-capacity performance hall, with The Lansdown Hall set to open in the second phase of the update. The Foyer offers a relaxed, welcoming and informal atmosphere, combining a bar and box office. It serves as a social hub during performance intervals and is also available for private hire, while the Cossham Hall is a versatile, multi-functional event space, ideal for performances, corporate dinners and larger private events. Each space has been carefully considered not only in function, but in how it feels to move through and experience it.
A warm, confident palette of burnt oranges, soft neutrals and rich chocolate browns anchors the interiors of The Foyer, with layered textures of wood and dark metals taking centre stage in the design. The reeded bar front contrasts with a mirrored brick backdrop, adding tactile richness, while oversized palm plants soften the composition, introducing a sense of ease and softness against the more structured architectural elements.
Our lighting brings the scheme together, adding a layer of understated sophistication through a considered balance of character and refined detailing. It supports the wider design in a way that allows heritage and contemporary elements to sit comfortably alongside one another, rather than feeling in contrast. Statement bronze Flume pendant lights are suspended above the bar and reception desk, complemented by Boston diffuser wall lights that line the foyer, their warm metallic finishes echoing the tan faux leather seating and sitting naturally alongside the marble and concrete-effect surfaces.
“Lighting is central to the overall experience, guiding visitors through the space while enhancing its theatrical ambiance,” says Chloe. “It was important for us to find the right lighting partner, one that could deliver both on a practical level and in terms of design integrity for a space that is both modern and historical in one, and Industville provided that balance seamlessly.”
The Sleek opal cluster pendants introduce a sense of verticality, creating soft focal points above the bar that draw the eye and anchor the space. Their diffused glow builds atmosphere, contributing to a layered, immersive environment that feels both welcoming and intentionally curated.
“What makes this project so special is the care and intention behind every design decision,” says Mara Miller, Founder of Industville. “Chloe has created a scheme that feels both grounded in the building’s history and completely relevant for how the space is used today. From our side, we’re always designing with that kind of collaboration in mind, creating pieces that feel considered and well made, but flexible enough to sit naturally within a designer’s vision. Here, the lighting isn’t just functional, it helps shape the atmosphere, draw out the materials and bring a sense of warmth and character that makes the space feel truly alive again.”
The venue is alive with activity throughout April, hosting a mix events. Highlights include Tea & Tours, offering a relaxed chance to explore the new space, Musical Theatre Singalong with Sophie Kingston, Easter Holiday Fun for families, Cinema Club and Sea Shanties with The Severn Whalers. In addition, the venue will welcome back the Thornbury Arts Festival, featuring multiple shows and experiences across several days. The festival’s headliners include comedian Alfie Moore and a National Theatre Live screening of The Audience starring Helen Mirren.
Looking ahead, phase two of the renovation will introduce an exciting new space, The Lansdown Hall, a larger hall designed to expand The Armstrong’s offerings and host even more performances and events. This next chapter continues the same design ethos, evolving the space while staying true to its identity.
