Turner Sims: Building a more inclusive future
Louise Coysh, Director, Turner Sims, talks about why our capital project marks the next chapter in our story.
When people ask me what our capital project is really about, my answer is simple: people.
At Turner Sims, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy, connection and creativity of live music. For many years, however, parts of our building have fallen short of the standards our audiences, artists, students and communities deserve. Improving these spaces has long been our ambition.
Turner Sims first opened its doors in 1974. It remains an extraordinary place to experience music, but our venue was designed for a different era. As expectations and understanding of accessibility and equity have evolved, we have listened carefully to audiences, artists and experts to understand where barriers remain. This included an access audit of our venue by Attitude Is Everything, who specialise in improving access in the live music sector. That listening has shaped every stage of this project.
Thanks to generous investment from the University of Southampton and Arts Council England’s Creative Foundations Fund, alongside a philanthropic gift, we can now make transformational improvements to physical access at Turner Sims.
Accessibility is about dignity, independence and inclusion – not just compliance. That is why the project includes improved step-free access throughout the building, upgraded accessible facilities and better access for performers as well as audiences.
It is about a parent attending their first family concert without barriers. It is about a disabled musician being able to access the stage independently. It is about a student feeling that this cultural space belongs to them too.
We want Turner Sims to be open to everyone and reflect the diverse communities we serve. As a civic university venue, we have an important role in creating opportunities, supporting wellbeing and strengthening community connections.
This project marks the next chapter in our story that began in 1974. It protects the future of a much-loved cultural venue and helps us become a stronger, more welcoming and more resilient organisation.
Alongside the building works, we want more people to shape, experience and belong in live music. We’re delighted to be an early adopter of All In, a new UK access scheme for creativity and culture. Our TUNE In project puts neurodivergent children and young people at the heart of how Turner Sims thinks about live music. We’ll share details soon.
I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported the journey so far, from our University Estates department, our project partners Rekan and HPW, and funders, to our audiences, artists and staff.
The work continues, but the ambition is clear: a Turner Sims where everyone can participate, everyone can belong and everyone can experience the power of live music.
We Mind the Gap: UK Disability History Conference
Monday 23 November, 9am – 3pm
University of Southampton, Garden Court, Highfield Campus, SO17 1BJ
Louise Coysh and Val Drayton, Head of Operations will be giving a presentation at the conference on the Turner Sims Capital Project.
Phase One of our Capital Programme was completed in summer 2026. Phase Two begins in June 2027 and will bring major improvements to Turner Sims, including a new accessible lift. The venue will need to close temporarily for these essential works, but the music won’t stop. We’ll take Turner Sims out across Southampton and the wider region. This will create exciting opportunities to connect with our loyal audiences and share the joy of live music with new communities. We’ll reveal more soon and hope you’ll join us ‘on tour’.
