Pop-up climate hub comes to Bath

A ‘climate hub’ will pop up in a vacant unit in Bath city centre this weekend offering fun activities and information about how people can help tackle the climate and ecological emergencies.

The charity Climate Hub B&NES will take over 15 New Bond Street from June 23 to June 25 to bring residents and visitors together to share ideas, take part in family activities or just chat to others about climate concerns in a supportive environment.

The temporary use of the property is part of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Vacant Unit Action Project to breathe new life into vacant spaces, currently running in Bath city centre, Twerton, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton.

It aims to support local businesses, arts, community, and cultural organisations by repurposing vacant spaces and attracting footfall to local high streets.

Councillor Sarah Warren, deputy Leader and cabinet member for Climate Emergency and Sustainable Travel, said: “Tackling the climate emergency is a top priority for the council, but it’s also a collective effort that requires everyone to do their bit. Events like the Climate Hub are really important in engaging communities in talking about the challenge we all face.

“We are committed to supporting Climate Hub B&NES in creating a vibrant centre to provide information, guidance, signposting, support, encouragement and inspiration to the whole community as it looks to a low carbon future. This pop-up event is an exciting first step on that journey and the council is pleased to be able to offer a space to enable it to take place.”

Mel Clarke, Chair of the Climate Hub B&NES trustees, said: "We’re looking for a permanent space for the climate hub and in the meantime, we are very grateful to the council for their offer of 15 New Bond Street for the weekend. We’ll be open for people to drop in and share information on issues from greenwash to pollinators as well as information about other local 'green' groups. The news on climate change is pretty bleak, with the 1.5 degree C increase above pre-industrial levels likely to be breached for at least one year in the next five years, according to the World Meteorological Organization. Through the hub we aim to raise awareness and support people and organisations to respond positively to the climate and nature emergencies.”

The Climate Hub is open from 10am to 4pm on Friday, June 23 and Saturday, June 24 and from 11am to 4pm on Sunday, June 25.

There are two bookable events:

• Friday, June 23 from 11:00am-12:30pm: 'Living with the Climate Crisis' session. Talk about climate concerns and feelings in a small group. Book here

• Saturday, June 24 from 11:00am-12:00pm: a Forest School session for children aged 4 to 8 years. Book here

To find out more email bathcec@gmail.com , check out the events page at www.3sg.org.uk

Find out more about how the council is responding to the climate emergency

The Vacant Unit Action Project has been funded by £500,000 from the West of England Combined Authority’s Recovery Fund with match-funding and support from Bath & North East Somerset Council and Bath BID. View the Vacant Unit Action Project video