News / city centre
Once derelict magistrates’ court begins new life as creative youth hub
It is now simply known as the Courts after a “once-in-a-generation” refurbishment has breathed new life into the former magistrates’ courts building on Bridewell Street.
The latest chapter in the long-running story of the Victorian building has evolved to reveal a new powerhouse of creative industries for young people, allowing them to reclaim the space which used to deliver prison sentences to young men and women back in the day.
The building fell into disrepair after closing in 1975 but guardians of a monumental project Creative Youth Network (CYN) has now finished renovating the Grade II-listed building thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund.
is needed now More than ever
Since receiving an initial grant of £4.25m from the fund in 2020, Creative Youth Network raised additional funds over the following years to reach the £6.5m total needed to begin the work.
Nestled between the former fire station and police station, the Courts will serve as an enterprise hub, offering industry space, development opportunities, networking, collaboration, and professional office space for young people who want to pursue a career in the creative industries.
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Over 50 organisations spanning creative, youth,and business sectors have welcomed and endorsed the project, including Bristol Beacon, Business West, Creative Connex and Visual Arts South West.
Creative Youth Network said their vision of reclaiming the space into a hub for the creative industries is not only great for businesses in the city but is also an important step in retaining a piece of the city’s heritage.
They emphasise “making it a space where young people, young creatives can get the start in life that they need”.
Their vision is that the companies based at the premises will take on young people as apprentices and offer them training and networking to help give a leg up to diverse and disadvantaged young people.
“The Courts has now been reclaimed,” said Rebecca Scott, head of estates at Creative Youth Network – photo: Milan Perera
The basement, what was once the prison cells with stories going back over 100 years, is yet to be fully renovated, but Creative Youth Network are looking for partners to realise their potential as music studios, incubator spaces and/or leisure and business units, while the ground floor entranceways will house co-working spaces where young people can meet and network with professionals.
The basement, what was once the prison cells with stories going back over 100 years, is yet to be fully renovated, but Creative Youth Network are looking for partners to realise their potential – photo: Milan Perera
Rebecca Scott, head of estates at Creative Youth Network said: “The Courts has now been reclaimed.
“What was a derelict building is now repurposed to provide a space for the creative and cultural industries, that offers genuine support and opportunities for young people from all walks of life to get experience, build their professional skills and networks and to start a career.
“Young people have made decisions on the building’s vision, design, tenants, and future.
“We’re excited to launch the Courts as a space that explores Bristol’s heritage whilst fostering new creative work, partnerships and collaborations.”
The four old courtrooms with their wood panelled walls and high ceilings are set to create a unique and inspirational space to run a creative business – photo: Milan Perera
An immersive experience, titled ‘Voices from The Courts’, enables visitors to catch a glimpse into the lives of young men and women who were brought for trial at the old magistrate court from a time gone by.
One such person was Theresa Garnett who protested against Winston Churchill in 1909 with the cracking of dog whip.
dBs Pro, dBs Institute’s in-house creative studio, has been chosen to produce the digital heritage experience at the Courts which will be permanently installed and accessible to all wanting to discover the role the building has played in the social change of Bristol’s history.
‘Voices from The Courts’ will enable visitors to catch glimpse into the lives of young men and women from bygone times – photo: Milan Perera
Creative Youth Network was founded with a mission to empower young people to explore their creativity and reach their full potential.
The organisation offers a variety of youth services and centers across Bristol and South Gloucestershire, catering to young people from diverse backgrounds, including young carers, refugees and asylum seekers.
The Courts is officially opening to the public with a daytime festival on June 8 from 1pm to 8pm, celebrating the arts and creativity by diverse communities and young artists, including performances by The Invisible Circus.
For tickets to the launch event, visit www.creativeyouthnetwork.org.uk/launch-events
Main photo: Creative Youth Network
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