Podcast: How to Save a Community Building
Podcast: How to Save a Community Building – Insights from Trinity’s CEO Emma Harvey
How do you bring a historic community building back into public hands? In this insightful podcast episode, Emma Harvey, CEO of Trinity in Bristol, shares a step-by-step account of what it really takes to save a civic asset; drawing on her leadership in the campaign to revive Jacobs Wells Baths.
From launching capital campaigns to navigating complex asset transfers, Emma breaks down the practical, political, and emotional aspects of community ownership. The conversation explores:
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Why community buildings matter — and what we lose when they're gone
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How to build grassroots support and conduct meaningful local consultation
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The value of phased fundraising and realistic feasibility studies
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The role of local authorities, funders, and national policy in supporting asset transfer
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Lessons learned and advice for others facing similar battles
Whether you're a community organiser, policymaker, or curious citizen, this episode is packed with knowledge, encouragement, and a clear-eyed look at what it takes to protect the spaces that matter.
🕒 Runtime: ~50 minutes
📍 Featuring: Emma Harvey, CEO of Trinity, Bristol and Priyanka Raval, Editor, Bristol Cable
If you liked this you can also listed to our BBC interview here.
