Art / News
Pithay Studios + Phoenix cafe Bristol launch
An ambitious new Bristol City Centre project has teamed up with a team of upcycling pioneers to create a brand new vibrant creative arts hub in a previously neglected part of town.
Pithay Studios, which is based on the former Fitness4Less site in The Pithay, nr Broadmead, is home to freelance designers, artists and businesses with affordable hot desk space and meeting rooms for local creatives.
Launched earlier this year by Meanwhile Creative, following the closure of the nearby Bridewell Studios, it’s been quietly going about its business – but is now receiving a new lease of life with Phoenix cafe – which launched this month.
is needed now More than ever
The cafe, which is run by Helen Brown of Bristol clothing company Kecks Clothing and Annie Davies of Fringe Union, has been set up using entirely recycled and upcycled materials. As well as serving a range of hot and cold drinks and snacks, it will host exhibitions, workshops and events. Open 9-5pm daily and later for special one-off events.
“It’s all about creating sustainable spaces for local businesses,” said Helen, who will also have a customer-facing retail presence in the building with a Kecks Clothing and Fringe Union shop. “We’re hoping that by opening it up to the public, we can create meaningful links between the businesses based here and the wider community.”
She continues: “Phoenix was created thanks to collaboration with local green organisations, including Bristol Wood Recycling Project, Bristol Textile Recycling and other founder members of Bristol ReUse. Without support from these organisations this would not have been possible. It’s great to see what can be achieved when we all work together.”
As well as the creative arts side of things, the multi-purpose building – which is just a short walk from Cabot Circus, Castle Park and the Harbourside and next to popular nightlife spots of the Bierkeller and The Lanes, is also home to Blackbeard Cycles and a gym with personal trainers and there’s also affordable storage space.
Jack Doran, of Meanwhile Creative, said: “Taking on spaces like this gives us the ability to save money for landlords, create the cheapest spaces in central Bristol for small businesses and entrepreneurs and bring life to these otherwise dead spaces. And Phoenix will help us take this to the next level.”
More information at www.meanwhilecreative.co.uk
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