News / Bristol Bike Project
Bristol Bike Project needs help to find new home
A vibrant, bustling hub of grease, tyres, tools and cheerful hard work, the award-winning Bristol Bike Project is a lifeline for many.
But the future of the much-loved social enterprise on City Road is increasingly uncertain after its founders were told they will have to leave their well-established premises in Hamilton House, as the building’s owners forge ahead with redevelopment plans.
The project, which just recently celebrated ten years of work in the community, is now urgently in need of a new home in order to continue. While the exact date is unknown, it could have to move as soon as February 2019.
is needed now More than ever
This is the latest development in the ongoing Hamilton House saga that has seen long-term custodians Coexist evicted and a new management installed, amid plans to redevelop a chunk of the building into flats.
Read more: Coexist challenges terms of Hamilton House eviction
A petition calling on Bristol City Council to issue a compulsory purchase order to keep Hamilton House for community use has been signed by more than 1,600 people.
James Lucas co-founded Bristol Bike Project in 2008
James Lucas, a co-founder of Bristol Bike Project, says: “Everyone at the project is extremely sad that we will no longer be a part of the Coexist family here at Hamilton House and would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to them for all the amazing support they have given us over the last ten years.”
Since the Bristol Bike Project was founded in 2008, it has empowered more than 2,000 marginalised people to be independently mobile in Bristol, including asylum-seekers and refugees, the homeless and those in recovery.
The thriving community workshop runs programmes throughout the week, teaching bike mechanics and providing access to sustainable and affordable transport for people from all walks of life.
There is also a bike shop, open six days a week, which funds the community work.
Muheudeen Zakreya earned a bike through a partnership with Bristol Refugee Rights three years ago
Debbie Vincent has been volunteering in the workshop for nine months
Mike Lowe, a director of Bristol Bike Project, says: “We now face a significant challenge as our tenure at Hamilton House comes to an end next year.
“We are looking for suitable spaces anywhere in Bristol – we are flexible in our requirements, but need somewhere accessible, reasonably central and affordable.”
Caroline Beatty, a former director of Bristol Refugee Rights, called the bikes rehomed through the project a “lifeline” for people, such as asylum-seekers, with no income.
The workshop also acts as a second home to many who access it.
Volunteer Sean was referred by Bristol Drugs Project in 2010 and has remained involved ever since.
“Finding the project was such an important part of my recovery,” he says, “The bike keeps me clean. But the best thing about this place is that it is immediately welcoming.
“Anyone who has been an addict will know just how important it is to be accepted in that way.”
Determined to carry on their work, those behind Bristol Bike Project are appealing for anyone and everyone to help in their search for new premises.
“We need all the help we can get,” says Mike. “Large, affordable spaces in the centre of Bristol are not easy to come by, but it’s crucial we find the right space if we want to keep supporting our local community.
“Please help us to spread the word far and wide, and if you know of anywhere or anyone that can help, please get in touch.”
He told Bristol24/7 that while the project would like to stay in St Paul’s if possible, they are open to different areas, preferably reasonably central and accessible.
The project runs a number of workshops for people from all walks of life
Get in touch via www.thebristolbikeproject.org/contact-us with offers of help.
Read more: Bristol Bike Project celebrates tenth anniversary
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