Woodbrooke thrives two years on from closure
A former Quaker study centre in Bournville is thriving two years after it came back into the care of a charitable trust.
Woodbrooke in Bournville was handed back to Bournville Village Trust in 2023 following a decision by the centre’s trustees to close it.
Bournville Village Trust pledged to secure the best future for Woodbrooke, on Bristol Road, for the benefit of the whole community and it re-opened in 2024.
Since then, nearly all the spaces it’s made available for small businesses, organisations and health services to hire have been let.
And some of Woodbrooke’s existing accommodation, including 21 ensuite rooms, has opened under a guardianship model, catering mainly to nurses looking for short term accommodation.
Pete Richmond, Chief Executive of Bournville Village Trust, said: “As a Quaker study centre, Woodbrooke was a valued part of the Bournville community for many years.
“We wanted to make sure it continued to benefit the whole community, while recognising its importance to the Quaker community and its heritage.
“Two years on, we are proud to see Woodbrooke thriving with local businesses and community services serving the local community in a variety of different ways.”
Businesses based from Woodbrooke include a security firm, Indian clothing brand, a signage company and a builder. Community wellbeing services range from acupuncture and counselling to sport therapy.
Several charities and a church are also based at Woodbrooke, which covers 10 acres and includes extensive gardens and grounds.
Dave Freeman, from Abbey Signs which is based at Woodbrooke, said: “Our previous unit in Longbridge was right on the main road under a taxi rank so there was lots of hustle and bustle and noise. Moving here to Woodbrooke has literally been a breath of fresh air, to work in such a tranquil and scenic location is amazing.
“Work wise we have never been busier; I put this down not just to a better location, but to our new positive outlook which is purely down to the magic of Woodbrooke. It’s no longer a chore to go to work.”
Woodbrooke came back into Bournville Village Trust’s care in December 2023 following a decision by the Centre’s trustees to focus on its founding purpose. There were also concerns about falling visitor numbers and high building maintenance costs.
The building needs millions of pounds of investment to bring it up to an environmentally sustainable and accessible standard. And Bournville Village Trust’s current priority is to invest in improving its existing homes and buildings. This includes spending nearly £7m this year on its socially rented homes.
The charitable trust will continue to manage Woodbrooke until it finalises a long-term investment plan for the building.
Bournville Village Trust was founded by George Cadbury in 1900 and is one of the Midlands longest-serving independent trusts and manages estates, provides homes, delivers community-support services and commercial activities.
