1980-1989

Roots, rock and rebellion

Two fires at opposite ends of the church caused localised damage to floors on 1 October 1981.

On 31 December 1981 the building was sold to Bristol Caribbean Community Enterprise Ltd (BCCE) for £25,000, with a number of restrictive covenants, including stipulating its use for community purposes.

Trinity became a predominant music venue for different genres popular at the time, from reggae through ska to punk.

On 9 January 1984, Church Commissioners reported that building works were carried out to construct a floor within the galleries that were not in accordance with restrictive covenants placed upon the building.

Mid 1984 BCCE went into liquidation. A report was produced on 30 October 1985 estimating costs of £174k to repair leaking roofs, fire protection and a new intermediate floor to span the nave. Midlands Bank subsequently sell the freehold to Bristol City Council for £40,000 on 6 June 1985.

Bristol City Council commission a comprehensive repair scheme in September 1987. A new intermediate steel and concrete floor is installed.

1989
1988: Under care of Bristol City Council, the concrete partition flooring is supplied and installed

24 April 1988 the New Trinity Community Association is registered as a company.
1987: Comprehensive repair scheme produced by architect Danielle Pacaud

The project sought to obtain funding from Urban Programme and English Heritage for repairs and included new slating, lead gutters, extensive stone repairs and the insertion of a new intermediate concrete and steel floor within the main body of the church. This project was later scaled down due to limits of funds.
1986: Bristol City Council begin an extensive study into the full repairs required to bring the Trinity Centre into use

In June an outline specification is produced by WR Bedford and Co (Stonemasons) for the repair of the ashlar masonry and turrets.
1985: Bristol City Council takes over ownership of the Trinity Centre

After its possession by Midlands Bank in 1984, they commission a report for repair of the New Trinity Community Centre. On 30 October this report identifies the cost for repair at £174,000, involving repairs to leaking roofs, fire protection and a new intermediate floor to span the nave.

On 6 November 1985, the freehold is sold to Bristol City Council for £40,000.
1984: After much difficulties BCCE goes into liquidation

Following a report by the Church Commissioners that certain works carried out to the building were not in accordance with the convenants, and much media scandal around the Bristol Caribbean Community Enterprise (BCCE), the company was eventually dissolved and Midlands Bank takes possession of the building mid-1984.
1983: Under the management of BCCE, the Trinity Hall houses punk nights and community performances
1982: The Bristol Caribbean Community Enterprise group (BCCE) leads Trinity into a world of live music, serving audiences from Easton, St Pauls and Old Market
1981: The Holy Trinity Church is sold to the Bristol Caribbean Community Enterprise group

Two fires at opposite ends of the church caused localised damage to floors on 1 October 1981.

On 31 December 1981 the building was sold to Bristol Caribbean Community Enterprise Ltd (BCCE) for £25,000, with a number of restrictive covenants, including stipulating its use for community purposes.

This was the beginning of Trinity becomming a predominant music venue for different genres popular at the time, from reggae through ska to punk.
1980: Gigs continue to run from the redundant church