Hartcliffe Library/Knowle West Media Centre

Hartcliffe Library - By 1998 the Symes Avenue area of Hartcliffe was recognised as requiring significant regeneration. The estates were identified as suffering a multitude of different problems that characterise a deprived and socially excluded community. The district shopping centre and library experienced repeated problems of vandalism and crime and were visually unappealing. A Partnership of Bristol City Council, the Hartcliffe and Withywood Community Partnership (HWCP) and South West Regional Development Agency (South West RDA) developed a Regeneration Strategy for Symes Avenue which led to a new supermarket, retail units and a community resource building, including a new library. The new library is now part of an important resource for regeneration – promoting and hosting IT courses by the local community partnership, promoting and providing access to local democracy and launching the Headspace project engaging with local young people to involve them in defining the library youth offer.

Delegates will be shown around the @Symes building and hear from the Library Supervisor about the role of the libraries in supporting the regeneration of the area and the Headspace project.

Knowle West Media Centre - The new Knowle West Media Centre building opened in April 2008 with the aim of developing the creative, educational and social potential of people within the surrounding community and the city as a whole. The media centre acts as a creative focal point for the community, providing access to project facilities, training and mentoring, as well as managed workspace for local businesses. The programme includes a wide range of projects developed with young people and the community, artists' commissions and residencies, events, and collaborative projects with organisations across the region. The Creative Industries sector represents an important part of Bristol 's economy and the centre plays a key role in engaging with young people to explore their interests and ambitions.

Delegates will be shown round the centre and hear from Carolyn Hassan, Director and/or Penny Evans, Moving Image Programme Manager about the centre and its impact in the community.