Charity group set to buy facility in city
A FACILITY in Bristol that offers work and conference space to charities and not-for-profit organisations is set for a change in ownership.
Bristol Charities, which provides sheltered, retirement and extra care housing in Bristol and South Wales, is finalising the purchase of the Vassall Centre in Fishponds, where it plans to build an almshouse offering affordable homes for older people on one end of the site.
The group will also retain and refurbish the affordable rented office space for charities and local organisations.
It said that it intends to maintain all current tenancies for the centre’s 23 occupants, which are predominantly charities and social enterprises.
The organisation said that its plans for the site and new housing facility are at a “very early stage” and that it would explore options for opening up the Vassall Centre for the use of the local community.
Bristol Charities’ purchase of the Vassall Centre from VC Conferences has been approved by the Charity Commission and is set to be finalised on Friday.
Anne Anketell, chief executive at Bristol Charities, says: “We are really excited by the opportunity the Vassall Centre presents to provide much-needed, affordable and highquality homes for older people in Fishponds, along with contemporary, accessible office space for charities and not-for-profit organisations.
“Plans are at a very early stage and we look forward to working closely with current tenants and the neighbouring community to help inform ideas and designs.”
Richard Gore, chair of trustees at Bristol Charities, added: “There is a strong sense of community and partnership amongst the tenants at the Vassall Centre and we are looking forward to working with them to upgrade and improve the facilities and shape our future plans for the site.”
The Vassall Centre, which sits at the heart of the Oldbury Court Estate in Fishponds, claims to be one of the “earliest barrier-free workplaces in the UK”.
The single-storey building, originally built in 1945 as a base for American soldiers during the Second World War, has been extensively renovated to make it accessible to people with a wide range of needs.
VC Conferences has owned and managed the Vassall Centre for the last seven years.
Nick Roads, director at VC Conferences, said: “It has been an exciting time transitioning the centre from the threat of closure to being fully occupied in 2019 with a vibrant mix of users.
“As a small company the last year has been challenging and while there has been fantastic support, we feel the next few years are going to see changes in how properties are used and run.
“We are delighted that Bristol Charities have agreed to take over the ownership and have confidence that they can offer interesting options for the future of the centre for both the short and long term.”