Bristol department store boss makes desperate plea for support to prevent closure

The boss of a Bristol ‘department store with a difference’ has made a desperate plea for public support to secure its future. 

Jenny Foster, project director of Sparks Bristol in Broadmead, says it needs to raise £100,000 to keep the space open.    

Occupying the former M&S building, the council originally agreed use of the building until December 2023, but this has now been extended until 2025. 

Open since May, Sparks hosts more than 150 traders, with 12,000 people a week visiting the space over the festive period.  

Foster explained: “The traders who pay rent, they cover all the building management. But what we aim to do is so much more than that - school workshops, art and creativity, community groups - we can’t do all those extras without funding.   

“We haven’t got the resources right now to deliver extras such as fuel poverty and travel advice. That’s what we need funding for, community and education activities.”      

The arts and sustainability hub is operated by charities Global Goals Centre and Artspace Lifespace in collaboration with The Invisible Circus.   

Foster added: “The way we’re funded, we get some from sponsorship, every department and then charitable trusts which are getting harder and harder as there is so much demand.     

“We are also trying to deliver more things that pay, such as corporate workshops and tours. 

“Even if people are giving £10, we can then go to other funders, it’s a real indicator of public support.”            

She continued: “Sparks is not just about retail, it’s a lot more than that, a place for people to come and engage, we want to inspire not just sell them things.    

“There’s so much more we can do in this space. More events and talks, free or affordable, film showings and things like that.     

“We would also love interactive elements in Sparks itself and increase the education offer as it really is a fantastic showcase that inspires futures.”  

The council has long-term plans to redevelop the former M&S building. But Foster hopes Sparks can remain part of Broadmead, potentially in a new space.  

“With the Boadmead development, we hope to be written into future plans, so we can have Sparks in Broadmead and become part of the fabric of what it looks like and prove our worth.     

“We need to reimagine what high streets are, we’ve seen larger stores closing down, so what are we going to do with our places? 

“We want them to be vibrant, people want to shop but they also want to sit and have coffee, learn and take part.”   

She says Sparks would 'absolutely' stay in its current space beyond 2025 if given the option by the council.   

“They’re not going to rent this to another retailer, nobody would take it over, it would just be another gaping hole in the high street, another building not being used. 

“Now we’re here open and vibrant, it must continue. It has become a safe space, bringing new life to this bit of Broadmead.”

To donate to Sparks, visit: https://app.goodhub.com/sparks2023