Shropshire Council Debates Preservation of English Bridge Workshops Following Petition

Shropshire, 18th July 2024—In a lively and passionate debate, Shropshire Council addressed the urgent call from over 1,000 residents to preserve the beloved English Bridge Workshops. The petition, a clear testament to community solidarity, urged the council to commit to a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) to maintain this essential cultural and socio-economic hub.

Councillor Kate Halliday led the charge, fervently advocating for the CAT initiative. She underscored the significant community benefits and the impressive improvements MakeSpace has already made to the space since they took over in September 2023. Halliday highlighted the critical need for a long lease to support Shropshire’s broader plan without additional council funding, and she confirmed the directors' unwavering support for the initiative.

Councillor Julian Dean fully supported the art space and the CAT. He passionately called for innovative strategies to retain young people in the area and decried the piecemeal reduction of vital facilities. Dean called for a comprehensive town meeting with adequate resources and a forward-thinking asset strategy that goes beyond mere sales.

Councillor David Vasmar expressed deep concern over Shropshire's erosion of cultural spaces. He highlighted the economic and cultural benefits art spaces bring to the town without burdening the council resource and funds. Councillor Roger Evans added his support voice, reflecting on past visits and emphasising the importance of signalling robust community support through the council’s actions.

Councillor Andrew Sherrington delved into the financial implications, discussing the opportunity costs of not proceeding with the CAT. He argued that the asset doesn’t strain the council financially and offers substantial socio-economic value. Councillor Dean Carrol, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Assets - emphasised the stringent requirements of CAT and the need for clear evidence of community use to support not-for-profit activities. He proposed alternatives, such as commercial tenancy, if CAT proved unfeasible and called for the petition to be struck off—a motion that received majority support.

Amidst this backdrop, MakeSpace CIC, currently managing the building, expressed optimism about reopening negotiations with the council. However, they highlighted the challenge in defining 'majority community use' but remained hopeful about finding common ground. The debate marked a pivotal step towards preserving the English Bridge Workshops, reflecting the community's deep commitment to maintaining vital cultural and socio-economic spaces in Shropshire.

Shrewsbury Open Studios is back!

We are collaborating with Shrewsbury Arts Trail, VAN and Belle Vue Arts Festival, and gearing up for an incredible showcase of artistic talent throughout the summer and beyond.

For artists who would like to take part but don't have a studio to open, Raven Studios has reserved English Bridge hall space for these weekends. Email ravenstudios.shrewsbury@gmail.com to find out more.

Flexible Dates: Four exciting weekends are planned for you to participate in throughout the year. Open up your studios for all the dates or pick and choose:

June 8th & 9th - launch weekend with Belle Vue Arts

July 13th & 14th - Along with Shrewsbury Arts Trail

August 10th & 11th - Along with Shrewsbury Arts Trail

November 23rd & 24th - A fine weekend for Christmas shopping

Sign up on the SYOS website to take part.

revolution grooves at ebw!

We’re delighted to be the new home for Revolution Grooves, dance party DJs extraordinaires! Follow them on Facebook for more information - first chance to strut your stuff is Feb 24, 2024…