Join us at Easton Community Centre on Tuesday 10 June for an inspiring afternoon of hands-on learning, expert advice and networking – all dedicated to making our community buildings fit for the future.
Whether you’re a staff member, volunteer or trustee, this is your chance to discover practical ways to cut costs, boost comfort and reduce carbon emissions in your local hub.
Why resilience matters
Community spaces are the beating heart of every neighbourhood, offering everything from warm hubs for young families to meeting rooms for local groups. But rising energy bills, shifting user needs and increasingly extreme weather are putting a strain on budgets and comfort. Retrofitting communal halls, youth centres and charities can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.
What’s on the agenda
On Tuesday 10 June 2025, from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm (with networking to follow), Eastside Community Trust, Bristol Energy Network, Max Fordham, gcp Chartered Architects and a host of Bristol’s community-building champions will bring you:
-
Lessons from Easton Community Centre’s zero-carbon journey
How did this busy, multi-use centre transform its ageing heating system into an efficient, renewable-powered setup? Hear straight from the team what worked, what they’d do differently next time, and how they tackled unexpected hurdles. -
Expert panel discussion
Representatives from Bristol Energy Network, Max Fordham, gcp Chartered Architects and Eastside Community Trust will share practical retrofit tips, covering everything from grant funding and project management to heat modelling and occupant engagement. -
“Troubleshooting” workshop
Got a thorny insulation problem? Wondering how to keep your storeroom at a stable 18 °C? Bring your trickiest energy-efficiency questions to our peer-to-peer surgery, roll up your sleeves and tap into a wealth of experience. -
Centre tour
See the new heat pumps, solar array and smart controls in situ. There’s no substitute for stepping inside a working system. -
Networking
Swap stories over tea and biscuits, make contacts for future collaborations and maybe even find a project partner for your next retrofit.
Emily Fifield, Community Project Manager at Eastside Community Trust, says:
“We know that community groups often juggle tight budgets and limited technical expertise. That’s why we’re opening our doors to share every lesson we’ve learnt, from securing funding to finding energy solutions that work for a multi-use building like Easton Community Centre. Together, we can make sure our community hubs stay warm, welcoming and affordable for decades to come.”
How to join
Attendance is free but spaces are limited, so please book your place in advance at:
▶️ https://events.humanitix.com/resilient-community-buildings
Event Address: Easton Community Centre, Kilburn Street, Bristol BS5 6AW
If you have any questions or accessibility needs, drop Emily a line at emily@upourstreet.org.uk.
Coordinated by the Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership, this gathering forms part of the Community Climate Action Fringe – a citywide celebration of grassroots efforts running from 8 to 22 June. Whether you’re interested in food-growing demonstrations in Lawrence Weston or a bioblitz bird survey in Lockleaze, there’s something for everyone. Click this LINK for a full line-up of workshops, guided walks and community days across Bristol.
