Coda Music Trust in Christchurch, has received a grant of £340,000 from Arts Council England’s Capital Investment Programme. 

As part of these 2021-22 and 2022-23 grants, over £22.7 million has been awarded to 66 cultural organisations across the country, including Coda Music Trust. Capital Investment Programme aims to help cultural organisations across the country transform their buildings and equipment so they can operate safely post-pandemic, improve access, seize technological opportunities, and reduce environmental impact. From Barrow-in-Furness to The Isles of Scilly, the organisations receiving funding share a vision to build a fit for the future cultural sector, which all members of their communities can access. 

Coda Music Trust purchased farm buildings on Chewton Farm Road in Walkford in 2005 as part of an ambitious plan to convert the site for cultural activity and this has remained a goal for the Trust ever since. 

This award is a significant contribution to the costs of the development and will enable Coda, over the next 18 months, to improve its existing facilities and develop inspirational new spaces for creativity, ensuring the organisation is fit for purpose for the next decade and beyond.

The project will include: 

• Significant upgrades and landscaping to the car park and driveway to improve accessibility and safety
• Internal and external upgrades to existing spaces to improve accessibility and make them better soundproofed and environmentally sustainable
• Transformation of the disused stable block, barn and cow sheds to enable Coda to diversify its work into new cultural activities and services, creating an atmospheric gallery, exhibition and workshop space and seven artists/makers studios

The project aims to create a truly inclusive and accessible centre for cultural and creative activity, enabling Coda to diversify its services and build engagement with the local community.

Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England said “World class creativity and culture needs a resilient and sustainable infrastructure to allow it to flourish. With these investments in the buildings, equipment, and digital systems of cultural organisations across England, we are helping to secure the future of that infrastructure, and making sure that people from every part of the country can continue enjoying all the benefits it delivers for years to come.”

Phil Hallett, Coda Music Trust CEO commented: “We are so excited and delighted to be working with Arts Council England on this ambitious capital development project. As we celebrate Coda's 25th anniversary, their investment, alongside other key supporters including Talbot Village Trust and New Forest District Council, will enhance and increase our facilities to offer accessible, sustainable and inspirational spaces for our local community for decades to come.”

Coda uses music as a tool for personal and social change, believing in the power of music to transform lives. Unique to the area, it is the only music centre of its kind providing a range of music opportunities to people of all ages and abilities, with facilities dedicated to teaching, music groups, choirs, workshops, training, music therapy and music for health and wellbeing.

Coda Music Trust is based at Coda Music Centre, Chewton Farm Road, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 5QL. 

To find out more about Coda Music Trust visit the website www.coda.org.uk  or contact Coda on 01425 276161 or via email contact@coda.org.uk