Crowdfunder backed by snooker legend Steve Davis saves Jamaica Street Studios

A Crowdfunder campaign backed by snooker legend Steve Davis has reached its £100,000 target in just 42 days. The fundraising would provide community ownership for Jamaica Street Studios in Stokes Croft, Bristol.

It successfully raised £106,961 from 1,036 backers after the scheme was launched to help “bring studios into community ownership and secure the future of a cultural landmark”.

Among those supporting the cause was Bristol snooker star Steve. When Crowdfunder launched, he said: “I’ve started to realize now that I’ve moved to Bristol how much I love this area when places close it’s such a sad thing to happen, especially places like this one. So I’m here to support and help These people are the experts in running this building and now there’s a chance to bring it into community ownership.

The crowdfunder has surpassed its initial goal of £85,000, which has added a target of £100,000. The fundraising page read: “He gave us the incredible chance to buy the studio house in Jamaica Street; 37 – 39 Jamaica Street, Stokes Croft, Bristol!

Read more: Bristol independent radio station hopes to raise £70,000 to save its home

Read more: Snooker legend Steve Davis is backing the fight to ‘save’ Bristol’s beloved Jamaica Street Studios

“We have a unique opportunity to acquire it, and if we can’t, the building will go on the open market. We are delighted to have already secured £500,400 from the Community Property Fund to purchase the building. Now we need your help to raise the “match funding” to unlock it!

“Securing this funding will mean we are well on our way to being able to buy our home in over 30 years.”

Those behind the Crowdfunder also described the new “vision” they had for expanding their program of events and exhibitions, increasing access to art and giving artists a place to exhibit in a “welcoming and thriving space in the center Bristol”. They recently opened their ground floor space, called KIT FORM, which already boasts a diverse program of exhibitions, music, workshops and screenings in the heart of Stokes Croft.

This news comes amid several current crowdfunding campaigns for other local studios in the city – one of which is nearby independent radio station Noods, which is trying to raise funds to save its home from Mickey Zoggs in St Pauls. With just nine days left in the campaign, they have so far raised just under £56,000 of their £70,000 target.