Turner Sims secures future with major investment to fund accessibility improvements

The exciting £2.3m programme of improvements will support critical upgrades to our building, including new accessible public facilities and step free access throughout the building.

Opened in 1974, Turner Sims is widely recognised for its exceptional acoustics. As the University of Southampton’s music venue, we welcome tens of thousands of audience members, artists, students and community groups each year, serving as a cultural cornerstone for Hampshire, the Solent and the wider south-east region.

However, our original infrastructure is now more than 50 years old and no longer meets modern accessibility standards. This investment will address these urgent challenges while transforming access for artists, audiences and communities.

Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Southampton, Professor Mark E. Smith, said: “Turner Sims is one of the University’s most important cultural assets, enriching the lives of our students, staff and the wider community.

“This investment, alongside funding from Arts Council England, reflects our commitment to accessibility and inclusion, ensuring Turner Sims continues to thrive as a place where everyone can experience the joy of live music.”

The project has been made possible through joint investment from the University and a £350,000 award from Arts Council England’s Creative Foundations Fund, which supports cultural organisations to improve buildings, equipment and infrastructure, ensuring they are sustainable, accessible and resilient.

Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said: “I want everyone, everywhere to feel a sense of pride about where they come from. Cultural organisations across the South East are important custodians of local identity and play a key role in the story we tell ourselves as a nation.

“Our Arts Everywhere Fund is delivering on our commitment to support cultural assets across the country, increasing access and preserving them for future generations. This is demonstrated by grants announced today that will benefit fourteen culture venues, museums, and library services across the South East.

“Arts and culture are the beating hearts of our communities, they have the power to unite us in the face of division and break down barriers to opportunity. We want to harness the power to help us build a brighter future for the people of the South East.”

Phil Gibby, Area Director, Arts Council England, said: “Today’s announcement marks a powerful commitment to the cultural life of the South East. I’m thrilled to confirm over £20 million of investment across 18 organisations, including £4 million for museums and libraries.

“This support will safeguard much-loved venues, from major galleries and civic museums to community hubs, heritage sites and producing theatres. It’s about far more than buildings – it’s about enabling artists, audiences and communities to thrive, because creativity enriches all of our lives.”

A generous legacy gift from long-standing Turner Sims supporter, Philip George Osborn, has also played a pivotal role in enabling the project. Mr Osborn’s wife, Hazel Muras-Osborn, was a member of staff in the University’s Faculty of Social Sciences.

The project forms part of Turner Sims’ new appeal, All for the Future, which will ensure the venue remains open, inclusive, and sustainable for generations to come.

Louise Coysh, Director of Turner Sims, said: “This investment marks a transformational moment for Turner Sims. For 50 years, we have been a place where music brings people together. Now, through the Creative Foundations Fund, our building will be fully accessible, ensuring that everyone can feel welcome and experience the joy of live music with us.

“We are deeply grateful to Arts Council England, the University of Southampton, and our legacy donor for helping to secure Turner Sims for generations to come.”

Work will begin in summer 2026, with improvements delivered in phases designed to minimise disruption to audiences and artists.

Image: ‘A Message for the Future’ by Crescendorious, performed at Turner Sims March 2026
Photography: © Nosa Malcolm