Community spaces generate an annual turnover of £16m

A new report has revealed the significant economic contribution of Bristol’s community spaces.

The report is part of the Roots of Resilience campaign, launched in the city last summer.

The report, commissioned by a coalition of sixteen community organisations across the city, shows that collectively these spaces generate an annual turnover of £16m, supporting 480 jobs and delivering more than £33m in economic impact.

The findings have been published as an updated policy framework for Community Asset Transfers (CAT) is presented to Bristol City Council by the network, marking a crucial next step following last year’s manifesto launch.

The report, and the updated framework, come as a result of ‘Roots of Resilience: Saving Community Spaces’ a city-wide campaign calling for urgent action to protect and enhance Bristol’s shared spaces.

Since the release of the ‘Roots of Resilience’ manifesto last year, tangible progress has been made on several key objectives:

• The Chair of the Health and Communities Committee now leads on community assets, reflecting their importance for the city.
• A community-focused council officer is now involved in Community Asset Transfer decisions. This is a welcome step, though further work is needed to ensure representation from communities most affected by asset poverty and underinvestment.
• Progress made to review key elements of community asset management and Council strategy to support the sustainability of our spaces and the organisations which maintain them.

At a time when local councils continue to face intense financial pressures, the report underscores the essential role of community spaces in Bristol’s economic and social infrastructure.

The campaign’s key demand remains: that the decision-making process around council-owned buildings reflects their irreplaceable community value rather than focusing solely on financial considerations.

While significant progress has been made, there are several key areas which could be strengthened in the updated framework, such as representation in decision-making and transparency around the availability of properties for CAT.

Emma Harvey, chief executive of Trinity Community Arts, said: “With the publication of this report and our suggested updated policy framework, we are calling on the Council to act decisively to protect Bristol’s community spaces.

“As our research shows, our community infrastructure contributes to better health, social and environmental outcomes for all our residents, reducing public spend and enriching our communities.

“By strengthening the policy approach further, Bristol can lead the nation in safeguarding its community infrastructure.

“We are calling on residents to reach out to their councillors and show their support for community spaces, to ensure these spaces remain viable for generations to come.”

Sado Jirde, director at Black South West Network, said: “We wholeheartedly support the recommendations in this report.

“Our work at Black South West Network has shown time and again that racialised and marginalised communities face some of the greatest barriers to accessing and sustaining community assets.

“The current system is structurally inequitable, many communities are locked out from opportunities to own, shape and maintain the spaces they need.

“By reforming Community Asset Transfer policies and prioritising long-term investment, we can start to rebalance power and resources in our city. This is about more than buildings, it’s about enabling communities to thrive on their own terms.”

Community organisations and the public are being urged to support the campaign by contacting local MPs and councillors to show support. Find out more here.

All photos: Trinity Arts Centre

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