New home for The Bristol Bike Project

The Bristol Bike Project is set to move into a new building on Stapleton Road after searching for more than two years for a permanent home.

The much-loved social enterprise that provides a “lifeline” for many different people across the city is now hoping to raise £35,000 to refurbish and fit the premises in Easton, which was formerly the long-running Tovey’s Seafood before its closure in December 2020.

Originally founded in a back garden in Montpelier, Bristol Bike Project has been based in Hamilton House, just off City Road in St Paul’s for the last 13 years but was forced to begin the search for a new home as the building’s owners plan to redevelop the site.

The team behind the project spent two and a half years searching for a suitable alternative and say securing the purchase of the new premises will enable them to continue their work in the heart of the community.

James Lucas, co-founder of The Bristol Bike Project, says they are moving on with heavy hearts but are also incredibly excited by the potential at the new site.

“Being situated in St Paul’s has been the perfect place for the project to evolve, learn and develop, and we will very much miss the fabulous community in which the project has been a part,” says James.

“However, moving into its very own premises in Easton will give the project both more autonomy and the opportunity to deliver even more of the valuable community programmes that it currently does, and we very much look forward to establishing Bristol Bike Project in its new part of the city this coming year.”

Bristol Bike Project wanted a home in the heart of the community that’s welcoming and accessible to all – photo courtesy of Bristol Bike Project

The funds raised will be used to purchase workbenches, tool boards, cladding, cupboards, bike storage and more, while supporter funds will also be used to decorate the space to make it feel welcoming and accessible for everyone in the community.

The plan is to open the new site in Easton this summer and work will continue at the old premises in St Paul’s until then.

More than 2,000 people, including those seeking asylum, experiencing homelessness and people in recovery, have benefitted from Bristol Bike Project’s ‘earn-a-bike’ scheme, meaning they have access to affordable, healthy and sustainable transport.

In pre-Covid times, the community workshop ran programmes throughout the week, teaching bike maintenance and providing access to sustainable and affordable transport for people from all walks of life. The community work is funded by the bike shop side of the enterprise.

Bristol Bike Project’s new home on Stapleton Road – photo courtesy of Bristol Bike Project

During the pandemic, Bristol Bike Project continued to repair and rehome unwanted bikes with people who need them most.

Sean was referred by Bristol Drugs Project in 2010 and has been coming back to volunteer and repair his bike ever since.

“Finding the project was such an important part of my recovery,” says Sean. “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.”

Bristol Bike Project has been supported by various donors and was granted almost £300,000 by Power to Change to secure the purchase of the property.

Find out more about the project and donate to the fundraiser via www.crowdfunder.co.uk/bristol-bike-project.

Main photo courtesy of Bristol Bike Project

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