Roof Repair Project commences
Trinity Community Arts (TCA) is off to a great start for 2013. With a recently awarded a grant towards building works to improve access to the Trinity Centre from the Big Lottery Reaching Communities Buildings Fund, the Centre has also been awarded funding from English Heritage, Biffa Award and The Pilgrim Trust to carry out a scheme of roof repair and masonry works that will help to secure the future fabric of the building.
English Heritage funding was used in 2009 to carry out a conditions survey of the former Holy Trinity Church. The survey identified perforations to the south aisle lead roof – a sign of underside lead-corrosion caused by moisture getting trapped between the roof lead work and underside insulation.
Following on from this, English Heritage supported the delivery of a feasibility study to look at options for development of the Centre to help increase usable space within the building. This led to further development works funded by Big Lottery Reaching Communities Buildings Fund and, as a result, a scheme of works has been developed – the first phase of which will be carried out this year thanks to Lottery funding.
Emma Harvey, Centre Manager said; “The building is 180 years old and is in seemingly good shape, however the failing leadworks is an issue that, if not addressed, could place the fabric of the building and its continued use in jeopardy. Lots of people care passionately about the Trinity Centre, and as a team we're working hard to make sure that past and present ambitions for the space are realised and she is here for another 180 years.”
Bristol City Council have recently granted TCA a 35-year lease through their Community Asset Transfer Policy, which has enable the charity to attract larger funding for capital works. A revenue grant of £15,000 Garfield Weston will help support the organisation this year as they deliver these challenging capital projects. TCA was also recently awarded the VISIBLE accreditation certificate by Community Matters in recognition of their service to the community.
Cath Hare, Programme Manager at Biffa Award, said: “Biffa Award is pleased to support this project to carry out essential repairs at the Trinity Centre. The work will allow more people to come together and use the building for a variety of activities, fulfilling its potential as a real community hub for future generations.”
The roof repair works scheme, totalling over £140,000 are scheduled to commence in March, while development works will begin in June and be phased in order to ensure that the Centre remains open throughout. The scheme of development works include improvements to the external grounds, creation of a new daytime reception and installation of heating, a sprung wooden floor, lighting and drapes in the upstairs hall space to make it suitable for activities such as dance, fitness and performance, as well as weddings and parties. The work will help to create a second smaller hall space, suitable for IT classes, community meetings and smaller functions.
Speaking about the recently awarded Big Lottery grant, Councillor Simon Cook, Cabinet Member for Culture and Sport, said: "Trinity is a stunning local landmark, and a beautiful space, but with a legacy of high maintenance and difficult problems typical of very old and beautiful churches. Everyone involved has shown remarkable creativity in conceiving new uses and activities."
This period of change cannot happen without support. If you would like to organise your own fundraising activities for the Centre, visit: JustGiving.com/TrinityCommunityArts. You can also make a small, one-off donation via JustGiving Trinity Text Appeal 2013 text TRIN13 £5 to 70070 to donate to Trinity and make a difference today.
accompanying image by Said Toliss