Old Bristol fire station youth project gets funding boost
A project to create a world-class creative hub for young people in Bristol has been given a £46,000 boost.
The Creative Youth Network project involves transforming the derelict Old Fire Station on Bridewell Island.
The Station will offer teenagers music studios, a media editing suite and a support network when it opens in October.
The money from the Society of Merchant Venturers will fund an outreach worker for two years.
This role will focus on forging links between The Station and local youth clubs and schools, ensuring that young people from across the city can benefit from its facilities.
The Station will provide counselling and career guidance alongside arts workshops, dance studios, a 250-seat theatre and a café.
Young people will also have access to some of Bristol's most inspiring people, along with organisations including the BBC, Aardman Animations and the Bristol Old Vic.
David Marsh, master of the Society of Merchant Venturers, said: "The Station is an enormously important project for Bristol and it will be one of the biggest and most inspiring centres of its type in the UK.
"It will use creative achievement and personal involvement in the arts to increase opportunities and broaden the horizons of young people."
He added: "The Station is designed to give all young people, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, the personal skills and confidence to realise their potential.
"The Station will be a focus for personal development. It is both an incredibly worthwhile initiative and one the merchants are proud to support."
Sandy Hore-Ruthven, of Creative Youth Network, said: "In the current difficult economic climate, the pressures on young people can be enormous and many need all the support we can give them.
"We are continually looking for funds for The Station and this investment by the Merchant Venturers is vital to making The Station work and inspiring young people, creating a safe, neutral place and giving them the best opportunities whatever their background."
The project has also received funding from the National Lottery and Bristol City Council.