The Hub in Bridgwater say 'we're confident we can find a new home'

Community groups which use Bridgwater’s ‘The Hub’ service - in Angel Place shopping centre - says they’re shocked it’s having to move

The Hub is based on the top floor of Angel Place Shopping Centre
Author: Andrew KayPublished 3rd Jul 2024
Last updated 3rd Jul 2024

The founder of Bridgwater’s ‘The Hub’ service - in Angel Place shopping centre - says he’s confident they can find a new location.

The community space - on the top floor - is used by local veterans’ groups, as well as food and dementia support organisations

They’ve now been given until the end of August to leave the space.

Trustee John Hardy says they have identified a potential new location, with details due to be announced in the coming weeks.

He said: “The Hub is a registered charity established here in Angel Place six years ago to provide services and resources for individuals and community organisations."

"We have to relocate because we can't alter the area anymore and it's very difficult to keep it heated in Winter and cool in Summer. But the landlords have brought up some issues around health and safety and we've not been told what they are.

"They've decided now is the time to part company, but initially they only gave us four weeks' notice - which was very short notice considering the amount of work they want us to do before we go.

“Now they've extended that to the end of August whilst we find a place to relocate to - which hopefully we have done, but as these things are - it all needs tying down - so it's going to take a little bit more work."

He says users of the Hub have been saddened by the situation, adding: “You've only got to talk to the people involved in the groups to see that it's real important that they have their space.

“In terms of the move and not being here, they're heartbroken, they think it's terrible you know that we are essentially being kicked out.

“From our point of view we have kind of outgrown what we do here so I’m very philosophical about it and saying well ‘push is coming to shove’ and we need to move on and get bigger - and we'll certainly be better than what we can actually provide here."

We have contacted the shopping centre for comment and will bring you what they say if they issue any statement.

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