By Shaurya Shaurya

Copyright walesonline

It has been more than two years since one of Cardiff’s premier music and arts venues, St David’s Hall, closed down after the council found that the building used a type of lightweight concrete that was prone to sudden failure. However, that is set to change as a music group has entered into an agreement with Cardiff Council to reopen, and operate St David’s Hall once again. The delay in starting work at the city beloved’s music and arts venue has drawn ire from people, including a sitting council member who said they were “beyond frustrated”. However in May 2025, it was revealed that Academy Music Group (AMG), which operates music venues across the country had signed an agreement for a lease to run St David’s hall , the details for which were being finalised. AMG has now announced that it has now “entered” into the agreement to oversee the running and re-opening of the iconic venue. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here While no date has been finalised for when the venue would reopen, AMG says the “agreement will safeguard the future of the venue” and continue its “legacy as a world-class music venue.” Under the agreement, a minimum of 60 days within the hall’s peak event calendar will be made available for key classical events, along with an additional 20 days of classical programming outside of this period. The venue will also provide 10 additional days every other year to host the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World event. AMG has said it will invest “substantially” in remedial works which are going to involve the installation of a new roof, and the creation of new stall seating in the auditorium to allow for different show formats. The operator has also said that extensive testing and consultations have confirmed that the venue will retain its acclaimed acoustic qualities. Liam Boylan, CEO, Academy Music Group said: “Cardiff is a vibrant city with a thriving music and arts scene, and we’re delighted to be returning one of its most integral venues to the forefront of its cultural community. “Academy Music Group has a long history of investing in culturally important buildings and ensuring that they remain open and flourish for future generations to enjoy. St David’s Hall sets a benchmark standard for concert halls globally, and we’re thrilled to be able to ensure it continues to deliver outstanding entertainment for many years to come.” The building, which is 120 years old, is expected to cost up to £69m to restore it to modern standards , and options ranging from a “do minimum” refurbishment bill of £29m to the full cost have been looked at in the past. In addition to the building itself, AMG will also inherit the care of the hall’s historic organ, and three new Steinway grand pianos that were personally selected by renowned concert pianist Charles Owen and were bought by the Cardiff Council . AMG will also be signing a Memorandum of Understanding with leading classical music organisations in Cardiff to ensure “the continuation of community and education programming, preserving and developing the Hall’s vital role in the city’s cultural life.” Cllr Jennifer Burke, c abinet member for culture, parks and events, said: “This is the start of a new and exciting chapter in the history of one of Wales’s most important music venues. “The significant investment AMG is making will ensure the fabric of the building is protected and maintained for years to come. As well as bringing some of the most exciting acts in contemporary live music to Cardiff, the deal with AMG will protect the Hall’s classical programme and will mean that Wales once again has a National Concert Hall to be proud of.”