News / Prince Street
Former church could host live sporting events
A church that has been derelict for decades is one step closer to being reopened as a “hybrid space”.
The Seamen’s Church & Institute on Prince Street is now owned by Bloomsbury Leisure Holdings – also owners of the Crofters Rights, the Lanes and the Llandoger Trow – who have plenty of plans for their latest Bristol building.
A licencing application is for the former chapel to have food available throughout the day, live music events and live sport “on a risk assessed basis”.
is needed now More than ever
“The premises will mainly be given over to tables and chairs with provision for a dance floor or standing area when regulated entertainment is to be provided…
“The aim is to return to use to a building that has otherwise lain empty for a significant period of time.”
The long derelict former Seamen’s Church & Institute was built around 1880 as an institute with a chapel above, which can still be seen from Royal Oak Avenue between Prince Street and Queen Square.
It was used as a shore base for missionaries working with crews of ships using Bristol’s docks.
After being bombed in the Second World War, however, it was – in the words of the Pevsner Architectural Guide to Bristol – “appallingly refronted with the most utilitarian concrete structure”.
Samuel Smith had owned the building for many years, which was put on sale following pressure put on the Yorkshire brewery by cabinet member Nicola Beech.
Main photo & video: Martin Booth
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