News / Easton Community Centre
‘It’s a hub for absolutely everyone in the community’
Faint sounds from the BCfm studio can be heard over the buzz in Easton Community Centre, where a group of women wait patiently for their transport.
Over in the café, coffees and breakfasts are being dolled out to friends, colleagues and parents, while small children make a beeline for the play area in the corner.
The vibrant building on Kilburn Street, just off the Bristol and Bath Railway Path, is a thriving hub for people of all ages and walks of life, but bosses say it is badly in need of investment after years of neglect to become the centre the community deserves.
is needed now More than ever
They are appealing for help from people across Bristol – whether they can offer a monetary contribution, or provide support and expertise to make the necessary improvements.
Patrick and Robyn Boden say the centre needs investment in order to flourish
“It’s a very well used building, but it’s tired,” says assistant manager Robyn Boden.
“We want to offer a better service to people. We run on a threadbare staff and, for me, it’s just about having a nice place where people want to be and that’s enjoyable rather than a space that feels a bit run down and neglected.”
Built in 1989, the building was owned by Bristol City Council, who let it on a rolling annual basis until 2017, when it was transferred to the Easton Community Centre charity on a 30-year lease, thus securing its future.
The adjoining nursery, Raised in Easton, is run by a social enterprise called Raised in Bristol, which works in partnership with the centre and the long-term goal is for it to put any profits back into the community hub.
But currently there’s a cash shortfall, explains Patrick Winch, a centre trustee. “When it came to us, it suffered from a lack of investment.”
He continues: “It’s a hub for absolutely everyone in the community. We don’t target it at any particular group and we want to make it even more inclusive and do more free events and workshops.”
Executive officer Iris Partridge agrees, adding: “We are a community centre in the most diverse area in Bristol and that’s reflected in the people who use the centre.”
She estimates the centre gets around 45,000 visits a year and current tenants include BCfm, Bristol Somali Forum and Brigstowe HIV charity, but chunks of the building are barely used because it is so badly in need of renovations.
A row of computers along the far wall that look like they may have been built at the same time as the building itself are a case in point. Robyn says many people rely on being able to use the computers and printing service, yet the machines are broken more often than not.
The centre is largely self-sufficient, but this relies on being able to host events and hire out space and equipment.
“We need banqueting tables and chairs,” continues Robyn. “We can seat up to 100 people but I’m always going round the building trying to find chairs.”
The aim is to keep improving the centre and make it even more accessible for all
The team estimates around £5,000 worth of work needs to be done to bring the conference room up to standard – a key part of the sustainability plan.
They are hoping to raise £10,000 for necessary works to safeguard the future of the centre and make improvements and would also welcome offers of help from tradespeople with skills in building, renovating or decorating.
“People deserve a good space to come to,” says Iris, who is also applying for funds to cover structural and ongoing repairs.
“There are some sections of the population around here that are able to afford things, but others want somewhere to sit, with no need to spend anything.
“It’s such a vibrant place and very much needed.”
Robyn adds: “There are not that many places where you can come for free and just be without having to pay for anything.
“We have already saved the centre, but we want it to grow and flourish.”
Some of the planned improvements include work on the hall and conference room, improvements to the surrounding landscape to make not driving more viable, a bike shelter and even a wedding licence.
Read more: Funding the future of community spaces
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
