Developer issues statement on future of Stokes Croft vintage market site

The home of a vintage market in Stokes Croft is set to be redeveloped into a mixed-use hub featuring workspaces and shops.

The building, at 15-19 Stokes Croft, was built in the 1950s and operated as a car dealership and motorbike showroom before LoveBristol’s Vintage Market opened there in 2014.

But now the building’s owners, housing providers Portland Brown, has announced plans to redevelop it a ‘mixture of studio, workspaces, retail, eating and drinking spaces.’

It will mean the vintage market will have to move - a story which was met with disappointment on social media last week.

Portland Brown spokesperson Andrew Brown said the firm had been happy to offer a space for LoveBristol’s Vintage Market while plans were devised on how to repair the building.

He said: “The building is in poor repair, requiring a total refit including new roof and windows, stairs, lifts and electrics to bring it up to required levels of accessibility and safety.

“Last winter a number of glass roof panels collapsed and we can’t allow the building to go through another winter in its current state.”

Mr Brown added that the company was looking forward to sharing more detailed plans about the redevelopment next year.

Meanwhile, LoveBristol is searching for a new home for its vintage market.

Charity director Greg Thompson said that ‘gentrification’ across Stokes Croft meant there was no longer room for the second-hand store, suggesting it will move a bit further afield.

“We are really keen to get the Vintage Market up and running in a new space as soon as possible and are excited about the opportunity to refresh the enterprise as we cultivate a new shop environment,” added Mr Thompson.

“We appreciate your patience as we search for this new shop front and prepare for business.”