News / Bristol Bike Project
Bristol Bike Project could move to city centre location
An award-winning social enterprise that repairs and rehomes bikes could make the move from Hamilton House to a store room under Castle Park.
The Bristol Bike Project has secured permission to turn the space in Lower Castle Street into a new base, offering a shop and workshops for professional mechanics and the community.
Approving the plans after 50 letters of support, Bristol City Council planning officers said the “important and valuable” organisation “does a great job of serving the community”.
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The social enterprise celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2018 but the same year launched a search for a new home, as its future in Hamilton House was uncertain after the group running the building in Stokes Croft was asked to leave.
The Bristol Bike Project was told it would have to leave Hamilton House in 2018
Bristol Bike Project director Mike Lowe said at the time they were seeking somewhere accessible, reasonably central and affordable.
The plans say the Castle Park site would have space for up to six members of staff, 40 visitors, a shop and workshops, opening daily as late as 10pm.
The building itself is not listed but it incorporates part of the historic Grade II-listed castle wall. It is currently infrequently used as a store room by Bristol City Council’s parks department.
The plans propose replacing the existing entrance doors with new wooden doors and installing new ramps and shutters. The motorbike parking outside would be restored after the construction work is finished.
The plans for a workshop and shop on Lower Castle Street have been approved – image courtesy of Google Street View
The Bristol Bike Project was approached for comment.
Stephen Sumner is a local democracy reporter
Photos by Bristol24/7
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