Vintage Market forced to close amid ‘sweeping gentrification’ of Stokes Croft

The ‘Aladdin’s cave’ is downing shutters after eight years
Sophie Wills
By Sophie Wills
Published 16th Jun 2022, 16:42 GMT
Updated 17th Jun 2022, 09:30 GMT
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A popular community-led market in Stokes Croft is set to close after eight years amid the ‘sweeping gentrification’ of the area.

The Vintage Market opened at 15-19, Stokes Croft in 2014 and is described as an ‘Aladdin’s cave’ of second-hand retro items, with ‘crazily wonderful stuff’ up for sale over two floors.

The Vintage Market in Stokes Croft is set close its doors after eight years.The Vintage Market in Stokes Croft is set close its doors after eight years.
The Vintage Market in Stokes Croft is set close its doors after eight years.
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All its stall holders are independent and include 92-year-old Keith - a jeweller who offers a watch repair service.

But the shop, which is run by church and charity LoveBristol, will close its doors in July after housing provider Portland Brown announced plans to develop the building.

“Gentrification is sweeping the streets of Stokes Croft and there is no longer room for the community-led Vintage Market,” said LoveBristol charity director Greg Thompson.

The community-led shop is now looking for a new home elsewhere in Bristol.The community-led shop is now looking for a new home elsewhere in Bristol.
The community-led shop is now looking for a new home elsewhere in Bristol.

“The eclectic collection of stalls has been loved by local students and antique hunters alike as they peruse the many wonders on offer.

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“It is therefore with sadness that LoveBristol has to announce the closure of our current premises.”

It is hoped the shop will return, though - LoveBristol are now seeking a new home for it elsewhere in the city.

“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.

Zaran is a friend of the market who helps out with some volunteers who have learning difficulties.Zaran is a friend of the market who helps out with some volunteers who have learning difficulties.
Zaran is a friend of the market who helps out with some volunteers who have learning difficulties.
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“Heartfelt thanks to all of our customers who have supported the Vintage Market throughout our eight years in Stokes Croft.

“It has been a true pleasure meeting so many wonderful people and we look forward to doing business with you in the future… wherever in Bristol that may be.”

In the latest Quality of Life Report, published annually by Bristol City Council, found there had been a significant increase (33% up from 21% in 2019) of Bristolians noticing gentrification taking place in their area which they felt was having a ‘negative impact’.

BristolWorld has contacted Portland Brown for comment and is awaiting their response.

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