News / South Bristol
Bedminster church set to be turned into student flats and community space
A church in Bedminster described as the “only community space left” before it closed in January, is set to be converted into 40 student flats and a new community space.
The United Reform Church put the building on West Street up for sale for £500,000 after it closed as a worshipping community at the end of October last year.
The building, built in the late 19th century, has a long history of being central to the community, and was used as a community space by the locals, before it was put up for sale, housing a repair shop, toy library and food club as well as other community groups.
is needed now More than ever
The decision to sell the building was met with concern in January by Way Out West, a community group which represents the area around West Street, and the BS3 Repair Cafe, Bedminster Food Club and South Bristol Toy Library.
The United Reform Church closed in January this year after ceasing worship in October 2023
But after “significant interest received from a range of bidders”, United Reform Church said it had now accepted a bid which would include proposals for a community space, along with the transformation of the site into 40 student accommodation units.
They said the proposals suggest the community space could have multiple uses, such as a community café, office space, a food bank or nursery.
The proposals will now go to Bristol City Council for planning consent.
Speaking about the plans, a spokesperson for United Reform Church South Western Synod Trust said: “The congregation, when making the decision to close, expressed its wish for community activities to continue.
“In coming to its decision, the officers of the Synod Trust noted that the bidders had already engaged with community representatives.
“While some community groups have found alternative accommodation, it is our hope that alternative accommodation will be found by the other users, and that it may be possible in due course for them to have productive discussions with the new owners.”
All photos: Mia Vines Booth
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