Work to transform Bristol’s old magistrates court into a new creative enterprise hub could start as soon as September after the project secured a “crucial” funding boost.
Local charity Creative Youth Network is looking to redevelop the grade II-listed building in Bridewell Street - left derelict for almost 50 years - in a bid to improve employment and learning opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The organisation said the scheme, which is known as The Courts, would facilitate training in drama, music, film, animation, IT and games design.
It added that employment opportunities could be created through apprenticeships, work placements and mentoring.
Creative Youth Network said the project - estimated to cost £6.5m - has now been awarded a second grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund of around £450,000.
It comes after it received £4.25m from the Heritage Fund in 2020. Other funders include: The Nisbet Trust, Garfield Weston, John James Bristol Foundation, Tudor Trust, and the Charles Hayward Foundation.
Creative Youth Network said fundraising for the restoration had been presented with “significant challenges” during the pandemic.
Chief executive Mark Coates said: “We’re really grateful for this extra show of support from the Heritage Fund. Even though we are still having to fundraise to reach the total project cost, the additional grant money demonstrates the faith everyone has in the project and its significance for talented young people from disadvantaged communities in and around Bristol, and the region’s creative sector.
“We hope this will help trigger further investment in The Courts. It really is going to be an outstanding facility for the West of England, a development that does not exist anywhere else in the UK. The Courts, and the young people whose lives it will transform, deserve widespread support.”
Plans a full restoration of one of the building's original Victorian courtrooms, as well as the lobby and main atrium, which will offer networking and learning spaces, alongside a bar-café. Creative Youth Network said historic features would be retained, with upstairs floors to host tenanted spaces for creative businesses. Other spaces will also be available for events, such as exhibitions and performances.
Stuart McLeod, the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s director for the South of England, said: “These buildings are very recognisable; they are right in the centre of Bristol but have been derelict for many years. They are a very rare survival of this part of Bristol’s pre-war townscape, with some wonderfully intact historic interiors.
“Enabling The Courts to thrive again in a way that connects the community to its heritage, is a hugely positive legacy for the project. We’re proud to play our part in making this happen and grateful to National Lottery players who have made it possible.”
The old court was first built in 1879 by Josiah Thomas, and later extended to operate as a criminal court. It operated until 1975, when it was replaced by the multi-storey building on the corner of Rupert Street, Christmas Street and Nelson Street.
Its replacement held its last case more than 10 years ago, and has itself been replaced by the current court building in Marlborough Street.
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