Black South West Network’s vision for new ‘transformative enterprise hub’ in St Paul’s

Black South West Network (BSWN) is embarking on an ambitious mission to raise the £3m needed to realise its vision for a “transformative” new enterprise hub.

The racial justice organisation has signed a lease for the historic Coach House building in St Paul’s, which is to become a focal point for its work on economic development and cultural inclusion.

BSWN has set out plans that will see the premises become a “transformative space” in which enterprise development, cultural expression and community wealth building will work hand-in-hand to cross-pollinate concepts, ideas and solutions to existing issues.

The vision is for it to be an innovation lab, business incubator and cultural centre, alive with the heritage of Bristol’s African and Asian communities. It will act as a platform for new ways of achieving sustainable community development and wealth creation.

Marti Burgess, chair of BSWN, said acquiring the historic premises on Upper York Street is an important step for the organisation.

“It will allow BSWN to continue our work supporting people from African and Asian heritage communities to develop new ideas, initiatives and businesses which will positively impact the region’s economy; build resilience within those communities and address some of systemic inequalities in our city,” said Marti.

“I am also overjoyed that we managed to find a space in St Pauls which has played such a significant role in the journey of many of the diaspora communities.”

BSWN is seeking to raise £3m in capital investment to realise this vision. In the meantime, the organisation, which was established 2007, will continue to run The Coach House as offices and meeting rooms for existing tenants.

It will also continue to deliver its targeted innovative enterprise development programmes, including the first Black-led social enterprise incubator in the city funded by the Local Access Partnership Programme.

Sado Jirde says this hub could be the first step into a future of economic justice and cultural inclusion – photo by Ellie Pipe

Sado Jirde, director of BSWN, said: “We are developing exciting plans to refurbish the building and transform it into a unique and dynamic social innovation hub.

“These are the first steps away from the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and into a future of economic justice and cultural inclusion for the African and Asian heritage communities.”

BSWN works with other Black-led organisations to unlock their potential and have a stronger voice and influence to address systemic racial inequality.

Those behind the vision for The Coach House say it offers an opportunity to centre Black and Brown voices and create alternative solutions and spaces for them to thrive.

BSWN need to raise £3m to make their vision for The Coach House in St Paul’s a reality – photo by Ellie Pipe 

Deputy mayor Asher Craig welcomed the development, saying: “Events over the last year have brought into sharp focus the structural inequalities that run through society. BSWN have undertaken numerous consultations with our Black and Asian communities over the years and recurring themes remain: our businesses need support, we need to tackle under-representation in our economy and must face up to the legacy of poor investment in Black and Asian communities.

“I have seen the proposed plans from BSWN and I am excited to see the transformation of the Coach House into a modern business enterprise hub and cultural space for Bristol’s existing and future entrepreneurs and creatives.”

To find out more about available space at the Coach House, contact the BSWN team on admin@bswn.org.uk.

Main photo by Ellie Pipe

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