Bristol Broadmead M&S: plans and opening date revealed

The former M&S will be transformed into a sustainability, education and arts hub called Sparks
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The project leader behind the plan to turn Bristol’s old M&S building in Broadmead into a creative sustainability hub says funding is ‘crucial’ to the long-term success of the project.

Bristol-based education charity Global Goals Centre has teamed up with Artspace Lifespace to turn the former M&S store into a sustainability, education and arts hub called Sparks.

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The plan is to divide the ground floor of the three-storey building into a ‘vibrant, positive venue’ where local people and visitors can shop, recycle and ‘explore what a greener, fairer and creative future could look like’, according to the team behind it.

During a meeting held at Redland Library on Whiteladies Road, Global Goals Centre Project Lead Jenny Foster shared her vision for Sparks and set out the timeline for its launch.

Work has already started behind the scenes at the old M&S store, which closed in January after 70 years. The whole venue will be created using discarded office furniture and theatre sets, reducing waste and carbon emissions.

How the former M&S will look when it reopens in MayHow the former M&S will look when it reopens in May
How the former M&S will look when it reopens in May

Sparks is set to open on May 13 and the ground floor will feature more than 25 different sustainable traders and businesses.

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These will include businesses selling local food and upcycled and sustainable fashion, as well as an active travel agency, a bike repair shop and an electronic repair service. Although there is no kitchen to serve food, there will be a coffee cart and seating, as well as fridges for food to takeaway.

A dedicated area will also be available for school and corporate workshops, film screenings and other events.

Jenny said that sustainability and affordable ways to address climate was at the heart of Sparks, as well as helping people tackle the cost of living crisis.

She said Sparks was a pilot and one that she hoped could be replicated in other parts of the city and nationally, with representatives from ten other cities already planning to visit the Bristol store to see how it could work around the UK.

Project Lead Jenny Foster of Global Goals Centre addresses a meeting at Redland Library (photo: Bristol World)Project Lead Jenny Foster of Global Goals Centre addresses a meeting at Redland Library (photo: Bristol World)
Project Lead Jenny Foster of Global Goals Centre addresses a meeting at Redland Library (photo: Bristol World)
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The top floor of the former department store will be dedicated to offices, creative and rehearsal spaces, with the first floor providing affordable space for local artists and cultural groups.

She told Bristol World that work is now underway to get Sparks open for May 13 but although Sparks has been given the site ‘rent free’, funding was still key to the ongoing success beyond the six-month pilot.

Work is underway in the former M&S storeWork is underway in the former M&S store
Work is underway in the former M&S store

“It’s exciting and also a little daunting to have a launch date. So many of the people working on the project are giving their time for free or for a really reduced rate to get us ready to open, but we need more funding to deliver the project once we’re open.

“More funding is crucial to enable us to offer affordable spaces to small traders, community groups and artists, as well as to ensure the impact of the space is welcoming and exciting enough to bring people in.

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“We have secured sponsorship from Triodos, Yeo Valley, Bristol City Leap and Bristol Water but we still need £75,000. We are charging a low rent to traders to cover the building maintenance and security costs but we need funding to complete the content infastructure and pay for staff to manage volunteers, run events and school workshops.”

The ground floor will be open to the public Wed-Sat 10am-5pm and Sun 11am-5pm.

People can donate to Sparks here.

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