A former youth club home to some of Banksy’s earliest artwork has been sold for £650,000 – and could be knocked down for houses.
The famous artist among others like Inkie and Cheo began his art career at the Dug Out in Barton Hill, Bristol.
They were inspired by John Nation’s Aerosol Art Project, which took place at the club in the 1980s, in which the building itself became a canvas for street art.
One of his earliest pieces ‘Poodle Bulldog’ can be seen on one of the walls.
In February 2007, the youth centre closed, making way for the Barton Hill Amateur Boxing Club.
But in January 2025, Wellspring Settlement, the charity which runs the boxing club, decided to sell the building after it became a “financial liability.”
In a statement posted on their website, a spokesperson said: “Unfortunately it has been a financial liability for us for many years, and in the current financial climate Wellspring Settlement can’t continue to carry this burden.
It is called The Dug Out and was also formally known as The George Wills Memorial Hall.
It opened in 1926 and became a music venue in the 1970s hosting bands like Massive Attack.
Charity Wellspring Settlement that sold the building told the BBC it was “a financial liability we can no longer afford to maintain”.
“We have supported the tenants of the Dugout, Barton Hill Amateur Boxing Club, for many years, including supporting with grant fundraising and significantly reduced rent.
“We have offered to work with the Boxing Club to secure them a new home in Barton Hill.”
Despite resident fears the building might be bulldozed, Wellspring Settlement managed to sell it for £650,000.
The buyer has not yet been disclosed, although the 0.33 acre site has been highlighted for potential commercial and/or residential potential by an auction house.