Southbank Centre has its origins in the 1951 Festival of Britain. It is one of the great democratic and imaginative spaces of the last century and holds a special place in the London arts scene. The restoration and redesign of Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room and Hayward Gallery was primarily a conservation project to replace building services, improve environmental performance and upgrade infrastructure. However, with elements of redesign and interpretation of the original vision, the venues are revitalised and able to fully support an ever-widening artistic programme, with improved disabled access for audiences and artists. The project was undertaken with the generous support of Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund as well as trusts and foundations, individuals and Southbank Centre's friends.