🌈 The Heart of Hotwells 🌈
Trinity is on a mission to rescue Jacobs Wells, Bristol, and transform it into a dynamic space for youth, arts, community, and learning.
Together with the community, we've developed a plan to repair, renovate and revive this amazing building.
We're working to raise £4m to deliver a phased programme of works and we're asking the people of Bristol to give what they can to support this exciting and ambitious project.
We’ve now secured £1m from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ (DLUHC) Community Ownership Fund towards this first phase of repairs and £400,000 in match funding from local trusts including Nisbet Trust and the John James Foundation, but we still have a long way to go.
This is our last chance to ensure this space has a vibrant future - we hope you will join us on this journey by donating today.
💪 The Challenge 💪
Jacobs Wells is a Grade II Listed building steeped in architectural and social heritage. Built in 1889 to serve the working poor, Jacobs Wells in the Clifton Conservation Area is a Grade II Listed building that holds within its walls a wealth of architectural and social heritage - from its time as a public swimming baths to its 30-year history as a dance hub.
Since then, the building has fallen into critical disrepair and, with Bristol City Council facing financial pressures, Jacobs Wells faced an uncertain future.
Trinity is now on a mission to rescue Jacobs Wells. With the condition of the building rapidly declining, it’s a race against time to stop the clock on any further damage. A newly appointed team have started the first phase of the repair scheme, including Corinne and Sean Redmond of PH3 Design as well as Richard Ward and Rebecca Gloyn from Burke Hunter Adams.
“This building is special for me. Here I learned how to stand up straight, and I learned where my feet were. Or rather, I learned how to learn those physical things, or I learned that they could be learned.” Jane Nortcote, Artist
⏰ Why Now ⏰
Time is of the essence. Jacobs Wells is deteriorating rapidly. Without prompt intervention, it may face demolition and privatisation, depriving the community of a vital space for community and youth activities and the city of its home for dance.
Trinity has a proven track record in heritage restoration and community arts management. With your help we can preserve this historical gem and transform it into a vibrant space for local people and the wider city.
Please give what you can to support this recovery effort
💓 Show the Love 💓
This Fundsurfer appeal is vital in demonstrating community support for this recovery plan, helping us to achieve our target and show the love people have for this building and the memories it holds.
Your support is vital in our mission to preserve Jacobs Wells. Join us today.
🌐 What we've achieved so far... 🌐
So far we've concentrated efforts on the North wing, which has suffered from serious damage due to heavy rain and lack of maintenance over decades.
We're clearing blocked gutters and fixing slumped sections to ensure proper drainage and prevent further leaks. We're clearing, repairing and sealing valley gutters and downpipes. To protect what remains of the roof, we're adding a durable membrane to improve waterproofing and prevent any further damage to the fabric and interior space.
We're actively applying to grant schemes, including the National Lottery Heritage Fund, to deliver a phased repair and renovation scheme and reopen Jacobs Wells as a hub for community, arts, and youth provision by Autumn 2025.
🎉Help us in bringing back Jacobs Wells. Together, we can make the magic happen!🎉