News / Stokes Croft Land Trust
£278,000 raised to put landmark building into community ownership
A landmark building is set to be owned by the community after a group has raised £278,000 to buy it.
The Stokes Croft Land Trust aims to transfer land and buildings in Stokes Croft into community ownership – in a bid to thwart what they describe as “gentrification vultures” encircling the area.
Their campaign, which is years in the making, officially launched last year with the proposed purchase of 17 to 25 Jamaica Street. The site is currently home to the People’s Republic of Stokes Croft (PRSC).
is needed now More than ever
Since November, a Fundsurfer has amassed over 330 investors and raised more than £278,000.
The trust has raised the money through community shares, where each investor becomes a member and has a say in how the building is run
With their minimum target now raised, the Land Trust will remove the property from the open market. The PRSC will be put to use to safeguard a prominent arts, events and exhibition facility with additional workspace for local artists, designers and craftspeople.
Keith Cowling, director at the trust, said: “It has been an exceptionally difficult time for people, businesses and communities across our city and this has been reflected in the need for more local spaces.
“We want to thank everyone who has already invested, helping to support and secure local buildings and land.”
Trinity is among the businesses who have supported the campaign.
Chief executive Emma Harvey commented: “We’re working with the PRSC team to celebrate Bristol’s history of art in protest and we want to pledge our support for the Stokes Croft Land Trust so future generations of misfits have a space to call home.”
Stokes Croft and the surrounding area is evolving quickly, with several major developments cropping up– from the ongoing Carriageworks redevelopment to plans for student accommodation on the site of Blue Mountain down the road.
The group is pushing to achieve its maximum target by May 31 of £345,000 to “reduce its reliance on alternative forms of finance”.
All photos: Betty Woolerton
Read more: Is community land ownership a feasible option for the future of Stokes Croft?
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