VENUE 360

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BACKGROUND.

CIC returned to Venue 360 in Luton over 20 years after originally fitting out the Balcony Bar, bringing the relationship full circle in a project focused on refurbishment, reinvention and long-term value. Having originally refurbished the space, CIC was well placed to understand its strengths and identify where improvements could be made to meet current expectations.

 

A multi-purpose leisure, fitness, hospitality and events destination, Venue 360 serves both the local community and a wider commercial audience. The Balcony Bar sits at the heart of this offering, supporting a broad range of uses from daytime sports users and casual visitors through to private functions and corporate events.

 

The brief was to refresh the space and give it a more contemporary feel, while making better use of the existing layout. The aim was not to strip everything out, but to retain what was working well and enhance the environment to better support the venue’s evolving offer.

Venue360

KEY INFO.

Location: Luton

Client: Venue 360

Timescale: 3 weeks

Value: £155k

PROJECT IMAGES.

KEY OBJECTIVES.

  • Introduce new furniture
  • Enhance the lighting scheme
  • Refurbish the bar area
  • Create a more appealing overall customer experience

KEY RESULTS.

  • Improved flow and connectivity across the bar
  • A more versatile environment suited to multiple uses
  • Refurbish the bar area
  • Enhanced atmosphere through lighting and finishes
  • Flexible lighting system to support events and brand requirements
  • Retention of existing features, delivering cost and sustainability benefits
  • Increased appeal as an evening and events destination

THE REFURBISHMENT.

CIC worked closely with the client team and designer to develop the scheme from an initial high-level brief into a cohesive refurbishment. The existing bar frontage, originally installed by CIC a quarter of a century ago, was retained, allowing investment to be focused on the surrounding space and overall customer experience.

 

A key element of the project was improving the connection between the two sides of the U-shaped bar. By opening up the central section of the back bar, CIC created a more unified and welcoming space, improving both flow and visibility.

 

The wider refurbishment focused on transforming the look and feel of the environment. A darker ceiling combined with integrated LED lighting introduced depth and warmth, replacing the previously bright and functional aesthetic with a more considered and atmospheric finish.

 

A programmable lighting system was also installed, giving the venue flexibility to adapt the space for different uses. Whether creating a softer evening ambience, aligning lighting with client brand colours or supporting themed events, the system allows the space to respond to a variety of requirements.

 

Where possible, existing features were retained and enhanced. The timber flooring was refinished rather than replaced, and key structural elements were preserved, helping to control costs while reducing unnecessary waste.

 

The project was delivered within a live environment over a three-week programme. Venue 360 remained operational throughout, with CIC utilising a dedicated access route to isolate the work area and minimise disruption to the wider venue.

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL.

Thank you for a great job and for providing us with a ‘new’ bar we can be proud of!

Jason Goodall CEO, Venue 360