Industville helps reimagine The Armstrong

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.

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-focused lens. 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. Each space has been carefully considered not only in function, but in how it feels to move through and experience it.

Lighting from British brand Industville brings the scheme together, with its signature blend of industrial character and refined modern detailing adding a layer of understated sophistication throughout. This thoughtful fusion of old and new is synonymous with The Armstrong’s presence whilst the brand’s lighting helps bridge heritage and contemporary design in a way that feels cohesive rather than contrasted. Statement bronze Flume pendant lights are suspended above the bar and reception desk, complemented by Boston diffuser wall lights that line the foyer with their warm metallic finishes echoing the tan faux leather seating, and sitting effortlessly 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 heightens the 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.”