News / Sparks Bristol
Future of arts hub in former M&S shop secured
The team who transformed an empty store into a thriving arts and sustainability hub are now making plans for the future after their lease was extended.
Last month, the collaboration of charities behind Sparks Bristol appealed for urgent support to keep the doors of the former Marks & Spencer shop in Broadmead open amid fears a lack of funds would force it to close.
A successful fundraising campaign and a boost from the National Lottery have helped secure the future of the project, with bosses saying they can now work on improving the building their lease has been extended to December 2025.
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Since opening in May 2023, Sparks Bristol has welcomed more than 350,000 visitors and the vision is to keep the building in use by the community rather than having it standing empty.
Billed as “an alternative department store”, the space is part independent shop, part arts space and part an education forum with workshops, exhibitions and more. The aim is to “provide an environment in which people can learn imaginative ways to live more sustainably”.
The project is run by charities Artspace Lifespace and Global Goals Centre.
Speaking about the future of the space, Kathryn Chiswell Jones, company manager at Artspace Lifespace, said: “It was important for us that Sparks be a space for everyone. We are proud of what we have achieved to date, with minimal funding.
“We look forward to developing it further now that we have been awarded more time to do so and hope to make back our initial investment towards the end of 2024.
“We’ve already seen a strong social return on our investment. I have been inspired by the connections and partnerships developed at Sparks, and the potential for independent organisations to drive the revitalisation of the high street and sustainable redevelopment of Broadmead.”
Now that the lease has been extended, Sparks bosses will be working to improve the building, making it more accessible and welcoming.
The future of Sparks Bristol is now secured until the end of 2025 – photo: Ellie Pipe
The Global Goals Centre team is currently fundraising to provide more educational workshops in 2024. Last year, 2,260 children and young people visited the store to learn about sustainability and repair skills and 1,315 people received energy advice.
Main photo: Sparks Bristol
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