Mansion could reopen for balloon fiesta event

A Grade I-listed mansion in Bristol is to begin hosting events to fund future restoration works, including opening for during this year's Balloon Fiesta.

Bristol Historic Buildings Trust (BHBT), the charity established to regenerate Ashton Court Mansion, has taken the historic landmark off the council's hands and plans to bring it into community ownership.

Dating back to the 14th Century, it has been on Historic England's Heritage at Risk register for more a decade.

The mansion has now opened for private events to help fund the long-term vision, with a public programme soon to be announced, which could include exhibitions and cultural events.

Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council, said handing over the building to BHBT was "an important step forward" for the mansion's restoration.

"Our shared ambition is to see a sustainable model of stewardship take shape with the mansion house's cultural, social and historic value brought back to life for our city," he said.

In November, Bristol city councillors unanimously agreed to give BHBT exclusivity to develop a business plan and carry out repairs.

It was agreed the charity would be given a 125-year lease, with the council retaining the freehold. No rent would be charged for the first decade but then 10% of profits will be shared with the council.

The full regeneration of the building, including fixing its roof, installing new heating and power systems, and resolving drainage issues, is expected to take decades and cost tens of millions of pounds.

Michele Midwinter, the award-winning founder of The Mount Without venue who will lead the new events programme, said Ashton Court was as an "extraordinary building in an extraordinary setting" that "deserves to feel alive again".

"Every event we host here is a statement of intent - this building has a future, and Bristol is going to shape it," he said.

A community share offer is planned for July 2026, which will bring the mansion into community ownership and allow Bristol residents to invest in its future.

Simon Cook MBE, chair of BHBT said: "This will be a very long journey and we want the community to be with us."

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