BS3 Campus was born in March 2011 from the idea that we should not allow this College to be ploughed up for another meaningless private housing estate; that we could in its place create something amazing. We offered a different vision….and have been noticed
What we did
- · Two leading articles appeared in the evening Post http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/PLAN-CREATE-GREEN-VILLAGE/story-14218413-detail/story.html
· We outlined our vision of a new community owned, created and managed by its residents and published this on our website. - · Facebook and our website petition drew over 600 supporters. Keep putting the word about.
- · We have many organisations in Bristol and beyond following and supporting us.
- · We set up a community interest company.
- · We listened to the views of local people and our plans have been displayed at different venues around south Bristol
What others did
· 2011 saw over £14bn handed out in City bonuses but only 11 affordable homes built across the whole of the South West!
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We saw riots, Occupy Bristol camped on College Green, the Government pledged their commitment to empower communities and address the housing crisis.
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In 2011 the Governments Localism Act came into force giving the right for communities to influence local development plans
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In November they announced their New Housing Strategy pledging support for new affordable housing models, self build, private rented homes, first time buyers and sustainable development.
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The City Council released new funding for Bristol Community Land Trust.
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The Housing Minister announced his wish to see a self build revolution in Britain. The College is now identified by HCA as a site suitable for this
“I want communities of all shapes and sizes, living in the smallest of villages and the largest of cities, to have the chance to drive forward their own plans for the future of their neighbourhoods without being hindered by bureaucracy and red tape”.
Rt Hon Grant Shapps, Housing Minister
Well, Grant, that message needs to get through to your housing department, the HCA who are sticking to their plans to sell the site and this will now be offered by tender in the new year. BS3 campus has been invited to bid but as long as this is judged on commercial value the dice will be loaded against us.
What you can do
We asked for the tender to be changed to reflect broader community values and involve the community in the decision making. The local Community set out 13 objectives in the Knowle West Regeneration consultation that are totally aligned to our vision. Why, we asked, is this not part of the assessment! we have not had a response
You can help us even up this playing field by getting our voice heard.
- You could write or E-mail Anthony Negus at Bristol City Council (anthony.negus@bristol.gov.uk) and/or David Warburton at HCA (David.Warburton@hca.gsx.gov.uk) expressing your support and ask them to confirm how they intend to assess the bids to ensure that community benefit and not price are the governing factors
And tell us whether you are interested in living or working in this exciting new community. We would invite you to come and see the College which will be open at 12.00 on Sunday 8th January for anyone interested to come and look round, to join the Community Company and meet some other members.
Let’s make 2012 the year of change. .
The team at Bedminster College CIC
Bedminster College CIC is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the regeneration of the Bedminster College Campus and the Northern Slopes.
Our aim is to raise support and promote and plan the development of a new sustainable community, providing a range of affordable housing and community facilities.
