A petition has been set up to try and save a building home to Banksy’s oldest surviving artwork following the announcement that it had been put up for sale. Earlier this year it was revealed that Wellspring Settlement, a community hub in Barton Hill has put the building up for sale with a guide price of £650,000.
The building, located on 65 Barton Hill Road, has been used by Barton Hill Amateur Boxing Club (ABC) since 2007. But it was previously used by Bristol graffiti legends Banksy, Inkie and Felix Braun in the 1980s and 1990s when it became a youth centre known as the ‘Dug Out’.
The petition demands that Wellspring Settlement invests in the ‘renovation and upkeep’ of the Dug Out and ensures ‘its continued use as a community hub for generations to come.’ But Wellspring has clearly stated that it no longer has the finances to maintain the building and is selling it to ensure the future of its existing services.
But the organisation has said it is keen ‘to receive bids through the process that would ensure the land benefits the local community in the future.’
Wellspring Settlement CEO, Beth Wilson told Bristol Live in response to the petition: “We understand that some people in the community have concerns about the sale. However, as we have said before, Wellspring Settlement is facing extremely challenging financial circumstances, as are many charities in Bristol and across the country due to reduced funding and increased costs.
“We have already reduced staffing and opening hours. Unfortunately, the Dug Out is not financially viable and the sale of the building offers us a unique opportunity to place the organisation and our other community buildings on a firmer footing for the long term.
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“We are working closely with Barton Hill Amateur Boxing Club to support them to find new premises and we welcome any suggestions and offers for them. Our new youth club, The Swannery is now regularly delivering activities for local young people four nights a week.”
As the building goes for sale on the open market, its future remains uncertain. For those behind the campaign, their opposition to the sale of the building is as much about keeping the building as a place which benefits the community and preserving its history.
The Facebook group is also a place where people can share old photos and memories of the place. The group description states: “With the Barton Hill Youth Club aka the Dugout now up for sale, this group is for everyone who wishes to share their memories of using the hall over the years.
“But more so, this is the group for all those who wish to be a part of ensuring the best possible future for the building and for the community of Barton Hill.”In reference to the campaign, the petition set up by the Easton and Lawrence Hill Plan Board added: “The Dugout is more than just a building; it’s a living testament to Barton Hill’s history and a vital resource for our community.”
In a recent statement published by Wellspring Settlement on its website, the charity stated: The marketing of the Dug Out has now gone live and the site is offered for sale by Informal Tender with a guide price of £650,000. We are keen to receive bids through the process that would ensure the land benefits the local community in the future.
“We understand there has been a nomination for the building to be registered as an Asset of Community Value. If successful, this would allow the community time to put together a bid to purchase the site.”
You can find out more about the campaign by visiting its facebook group or viewing the petition here.