The £44 million scheme has been put forward by Bristol City Council.

Bristol has wanted a top class concert hall for years.

The council had been considering building an arena near the burgeoning Temple Quay business quarter but that idea now seems to have been dropped in favour of a major overhaul of the Colston Hall and neighbouring Colston House.

The new-look venue would cater for all kinds of music concerts.

Much of the cost would be met from the money the council has received from the development of Canon's Marsh at Harbourside.

Councillor Helen Holland - a world-class venue is needed.

Design and planning work will start immediately and it is expected that building work will get under way within two years.

The plan includes education and workshop spaces, new foyers and reception areas, new bars and restaurants, shops selling the work of local artists and musicians and conference and meeting facilities.

The new-look venue would aim to cater for all types of music from rock to classical and particularly to reflect the multicultural nature of the city.

If approved the scheme would be carried out in three phases with the first phase being mainly funded by the city council.

Other funds would be sought from the Arts Council, regional and national funding agencies and local businesses.

Music for all tastes

Helen Holland, executive councillor for environment, transport and leisure said: "Bristol's music scene is an important cultural and economic factor in the city's life.

The council is determined to give it more support through the creation of a world-class facility, something that will also underpin the city's bid to be Capital of Culture in 2008.

"The centre will need to provide music that meets all tastes and we will work with communities, musicians, promoters and producers to ensure that the new centre can provide that programme."

The present Colston Hall is the fourth to have stood on the site in Colston Street. While the facade, which is listed as of historical importance, dates back to 1867 the auditorium has been rebuilt four times.

The current hall was opened in 1951 after the inside was burned out towards the end of the war in 1945. It was designed by the then city architect J. Nelson Meredith.