A new artists’ studio and cafe could soon open in St Pauls.
More than £12,000 has already been raised towards the community project, which is being organised by the people who run St Pauls Adventure Playground.
The adventure playground has been closed for almost a week, for its end-of-summer break, but it will reopen on September 19 and there are grand plans to expand its offering in Spring 2020.
The playground has been open since the 1980s and is used by hundreds of young people every time it opens. It is owned by Bristol City Council, but a community asset transfer when public services were cut means it is now managed by volunteers Rachel Davies and Guy Dobson.
They are now revealing plans for a new cafe/bakery near the playground, as well as an artists’ studio nearby - both of which could open in Spring next year.
The cafe would be next to the park, outside the main playground, while the studio would be in a container on Fern Street, which will be converted in the next few months.
Rachel and Guy want the new space to support children and young people, with classes, volunteering opportunities and apprenticeships on offer in the spaces.
They are also looking into installing new playground equipment and picnic benches.
Rachel Davies, said: “The aim is to help people early in their creative practice. We’ve also previously worked with artists and photographers. Hopefully this will be a place where they can develop their creative practice.
“It's about broadening the offer at the playground.”
Funding the project
Minimal financial support means the playground struggles every minute it’s open.
But a crowdfunder to support its expansion has already raised £12,000 and a music event looks set to add a significant sum to that total.
Team Love - the people behind huge Bristol gigs like Love Saves The Day and The Downs festivals - are hosting a fundraiser at the playground on September 14.
Bristol legend drum ‘n’ bass legend Roni Size is one of the acts lined up to play.
Rachel said: “This Saturday we are having a big fundraiser put on by our brilliant friends and supporters from Love Saves The Day to help support our fight to survive in a city where universal play services have had their funding cut and adventure playgrounds are struggling to survive.
“We are passionate about the positive impact of play in children and young people's development.
“We are all about creating space that celebrates diversity and that offers inclusive and interesting activities for children and young people.
“It’s a place to play and develop where families feel safe and have an opportunity to come together.”
Along with the fundraiser taking place this weekend, a crowdfunder has also raised £12,000.
It is also a finalist for the Bristol M&S Community Business Challenge, if successful the money would be used to develop the cafe.
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