Digs Project 2019-22

In Dec 2019, Trinity received funding from Power to Change, Bristol City Council, Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund and match funders for the Trinity Digs Project; to invest in the Trinity Centre as a key cultural and community asset, and to build a varied and sustainable participatory community arts programme that reflects the interests of Bristol’s diverse communities and cultures.

We secured planning consent (Ref. No: 19/02611/F) for installation of shipping containers, to provide accommodation for desk spaces and kitchen/coffee bar, with outdoor seating for outdoor events.

“Trinity have always been there providing a space for us and many other artists to do what we do best and always put creativity and community first”

Ishmeal Ensemble

Since receiving permission and commencing the ‘Community Kickstart’ activity to launch new community-led projects and groups, the delivery of the project was severely delayed and impacted by both COVID19 and Brexit. This not only caused delay to construction but also rapidly inflated the pricing of the units which meant we weren’t able to proceed with the installation of the planned two-story units, due to the costs of works exceeding committed grant funds.

Whilst we navigated these challenges, like many music venues, we began to get creative with our outdoor event space, launching the Trinity Garden Sessions in Sep 2020, hosting an array of emerging Bristol artists in a magical outdoor stretch-tent.

We went on to secure £45k from Architectural Heritage Fund to revisit and revise our Feasibility Study over the next year, in light of the impact of COVID19 on long-term business plan and delivery. This included detailed community consultation to find out what the community wanted from us in a post-pandemic environment.

This culminated in a revised plan for a smaller, single-story kitchen-bar unit setup, with a stretch-tent in semi-permanent setup throughout the Spring/Summer, to build on the ‘Trinity Presents’ Garden sessions established during restrictions, to continue to provide an alternative events offer (ref: 21/05771/F).

Trinity appointed an Activities Coordinator to support continued ‘Community Kickstart’ activity, supporting local residents and grassroots groups and charities to establish new activities from the Centre including the new pop-up space. If you have an activity to 'Kickstart' get in touch with Stefan@trinitybristol.org.uk.

Our seasonable outdoor venue 'The Den' was launched between July 2022-Sep 2022. The space will be open during Spring-Autumn each year and will host an array of live music, performance and family arts activities. Click here to find out more.