We are delighted to announce we are now one step closer to creating a Creative Enterprise Hub in The Old Magistrates Courts in Broadmead. We have received £307,000 from the Heritage Enterprise Lottery Fund to develop the designs and vision for the building, getting young people and the local community involved over the next 18 months. 

If successful, we will receive £4.5m towards the £6.5m cost of refurbishing this beautiful but delirict building. The primary grant was matched by £100,000 from Bristol City Council Neighbourhood Partnership. 

This project aims to renovate the derelict Old Magistrates Courts in Central Bristol, at The Station site. The building will create a youth enterprise hub that will support young people into the creative industries. The courts will provide space for enterprise workshops, mentoring and support.

Clive Stevens, Green Ward Councillor for Clifton Down Ward and Chairman of the Neighbourhood Partnership said:

“The creative sector is one of Bristol’s many strengths; we are so pleased to see that the grant we awarded is going to lever so much more money from Heritage Lottery and help disadvantaged young people start what could be a great career opportunity and one day maybe one of them will start up something like their own Aardman”

Commenting on the award, Sandy Hore-Ruthven, CEO of Creative Youth Network said: “We’re delighted that we’ve received this support thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund. The youth enterprise centre will revitalise the Old Magistrates Courts as a vibrant space for young people and the wider community. It’s great to know that we are a step closer to preserving it for future generations.”

Councillor Asher Craig, Deputy Mayor of Bristol, said: “Building an environment where young people from poor or disadvantaged backgrounds have access to opportunities to develop is critical to tackling inequality. I welcome Creative Youth Network’s imaginative proposal for the future use of the Old Magistrates Court. This project is an example of the type of action needed if we are to connect the benefits of a booming cultural scene to communities, particularly young people, and develop a city where everyone’s experience is one of hope and ambition.”

The building will support the Creative Enterprise hub from commercially let office space and renovated court space which will be available for hire. 

Consultations with young people and the local community will take place over the coming months to ensure the building meets the needs of the young community. 

The building will be a place where young people can interact with the community. It was built in 1879 by Josiah Thomas, designed, built and later extended to operate as a criminal court. The original Victorian cells are stil in place, as well as four court rooms with ornate ceilings.