Creative arts space coming to old Broadmead M&S building
"Sparks" will feature a resuse shop, stalls, artistic workshops and lessons on the climate
The old Marks and Spencer (M&S) building in the Broadmead area of Bristol is going to be transformed into an arts space.
The news has been announced today (November 18) by a group called Artspace Lifespace, with the building having sat empty since January when the M&S shut.
The new venue will be called "Sparks", with Artspace Lifespace saying the ambition is "to create a vibrant, positive venue" where people can shop and recycle, while also exploring what a "greener, fairer and creative future could look like."
It will also be used as a hub for artists and feature stalls and workshops to demonstrate how to take action on climate, equality and wellbeing.
"We cannot reach our city target of net zero in Bristol unless we have much wider buy-in and participation from across the city," a statement on Artspace Lifespace's website reads.
"In the UK, households account for 30% of carbon emissions and businesses for another 30%, so offering easy and affordable ways for people and businesses to play their part in addressing the climate emergency is vital.
"Upskilling young people and the public in creative repair and reuse enables them to save money and resources in the long term, vital skills in the current cost of living crisis."
The whole project is being made possible thanks to a partnership with another group called Global Goals Centre.
Artspace Lifespace Company Manager Kathryn Chiswell Jones said “We are feeling really inspired by our upcoming partnership with Global Goals Centre and the opportunity to showcase tangible, positive alternatives, a centre where people can come to dream, learn practical tools and collectively devise a greener, fairer and more creative future for everyone.
"Huge thanks to Hammond & Associates who have been working with us since 2021 to find a suitable building.
"We will be working closely with our sister company The Invisible Circus and other creative partners across the city.”
Jenny Foster is Global Goals Centre Project Lead.
“This is a unique opportunity to bring together organisations and individuals from across the city to pilot new ways in which the heart of Bristol could change to better serve our community and address the climate, ecological and cost of living crises," she said.
It's hoped the new site will open in April 2023 and last for at least six months.