News / Zion
Final push in campaign to save ‘vital’ community venue
A much-loved art space and social hub at the heart of the Bedminster Down community is close to raising the funds needed to secure its future.
Since opening its doors in 2011 in a once-derelict chapel, Zion has been helping to change lives and run activities and events for people in BS13 and beyond.
But the landlord’s plans to sell the Bishopsworth Road building prompted an ambitious fundraising campaign to raise the £229,300 needed to buy it for the community and expand the existing facilities.
is needed now More than ever
The plans prompted an outpouring of support and, with just over a week to go, more than £182,000 has been raised to put the venue in the hands of the community for generations to come.
Now, the team behind the thriving space are making a final appeal to secure the final amount needed to meet their target.
Speaking about the community shares project, Zion founder Jess Wright said: “As the cost of living crisis looms large it is crucial to support community spaces like Zion. We have been working with City Hall to ensure we can offer support to local families but want to be here for the long term.
“Whether you’re a regular customer, or have never been in Zion before, it’s not too late to get involved and help keep Zion in the community.”
When she first purchased the empty Methodist church, Jess wanted to not only breathe new life into the landmark building but also to create a much-needed community centre in a residential area with few social or cultural venues.
She envisioned a place where people of all ages and backgrounds, especially those who were isolated or excluded, could meet to improve wellbeing on a personal and community level.
Zion Community Art Space has been at the heart of the community for 11 years – photo: Zion Community Art Space
The ambition now is not only to save the space but make it “the best-loved, community-owned venue in Bristol”.
If the building is not purchased by the community, it will be put onto the private market and the community space could be lost forever.
The Crowdfunder is for the community to purchase the current cafe as well as the residential part of the building, giving Zion more space to grow.
The residential area will be opened up to provide extra space for events, activities, meetings and co-working space, creating “a bigger and better community hub”.
The minimum investment is £100 with a projected return for investors. Residents of BS13 in receipt of benefits can back Zion for a minimum of £50. Find out more and support the Crowdfunder via: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/zionbristol.
Main photo: Ellie Pipe
Read more: Much-loved venue to launch community share offer in bid to secure future
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