40 Years of Spaceworks: Four Decades of Supporting Bristol’s Business Community

Forty years ago, we set out with a simple but powerful mission. We wanted to create opportunities for people in East Bristol who were ready to work, start businesses and shape their futures.

What began as a small response to local need has grown into something much greater. Today, we are a network of seven thriving workspaces that have supported thousands of people over four decades. Our story has never been defined by bricks and mortar. At the heart of everything we do are people, possibility and the power of community.

From Colliery to Community Hub

1985: East Bristol Enterprise

We began in 1985 with East Bristol Enterprise, focused on improving employment and business opportunities in Easton. Our first site was the Old Co-op on Chelsea Road. It was a modest start, but a strong foundation.

In 1992, we developed the Easton Business Centre, on the land formerly occupied by Easton Colliery, to create a modern and spacious business centre, which is still a thriving hub for so many organisations.

1999: Bristol East Side Traders

In 1999, Bristol East Side Traders was launched, helping regenerate local retail areas and supporting traders across Stokes Croft, Old Market, Stapleton Road and beyond.

2010: A Social Enterprise Merger

After 25 years of combined experience, we came together as Bristol Spaceworks in 2010. By joining forces, we managed 4 business centres and could support more local businesses, and manage more community workspaces across the city. 

Today

In 2023, we rebranded to Spaceworks. With seven locations across Bristol, we remain committed to providing affordable, supportive and flexible spaces where businesses can grow and communities can thrive.

The People Who Made It Possible

None of this would have happened without the people who believed in our vision.

We want to give heartfelt thanks to our founding directors, including our current chairman, Neil Pirie, and our first CEO, Viv Rayner. Their leadership and dedication have guided us from the very beginning. We also want to acknowledge our incredible team, past and present, who have poured energy and passion into keeping our mission alive.

To our directors, partners and supporters, thank you for standing with us. Your belief in what we do has been essential every step of the way.

Neil is pictured on the left and Viv on the right – celebrating our 40th anniversary. In the middle is Shona Jemphrey, Councillor for Lawrence Hill and a member of the Green Party.

Community at the Heart

From the beginning, we set out to do more than manage buildings. We wanted to champion the lifeblood of Bristol — the entrepreneurs, small businesses, charities, artists and makers who shape the city’s spirit of creativity and resilience.

From Easton Business Centre, once a colliery, to the Old Library in Old Market, to Redbrick House in St Paul’s, our spaces are more than bricks and mortar. They are places where ideas are tested, jobs are created, and friendships are formed.

Our customers and partners are the heartbeat of what we do, and every story of growth and success adds to our shared legacy.

Looking Forward

While we are proud of our past, we are just as excited about what lies ahead.

The next 40 years will bring new challenges and opportunities, but our mission remains the same. We will continue to create affordable, supportive and community-driven spaces where people and ideas can grow.

Want to see more of our journey through the years? Explore the History of Spaceworks and discover the stories behind each of our centres.