RNIB sells its Bristol office to Guide Dogs and relocates

17 May 2019 News

RNIB has sold its Bristol offices to Guide Dogs and will shortly move to rented space in the city.

Some 13 staff are based at the regional office, which supports blind people in Bristol. The charity will move from its premises on Stillhouse Lane, Bedminster to an office in Arnos Vale. The charity said the move will take place during the week starting 27 May.

RNIB announced in August that it had sold its premises to Guide Dogs. The sale price of the office was £646,229.

It now plans to rent space from the Ethical Property Company indefinitely.

A spokesperson from the charity said the motivations for the move where about financial sustainability and accessibility for its beneficiaries. They said: “Like all charities, RNIB has a limited budget and we have to make sure every penny we spend goes as far as possible. This new location is cost effective and less than half the cost of the alternative sites considered.”

The office is responsible for regional campaigns, fundraising, and technology among other operations in Bristol.

They added: “When moving to new RNIB premises, accessibility for blind and partially sighted people is a key requirement. Feedback from staff with sight loss helped us to make the decision, taking into account issues such as usability of kitchen areas, toilet facilities, suitability for guide dogs, and overall navigation. The new building has good public transport links and was chosen as the most accessible premises for staff and visitors from our list of options."

A spokesperson from Guide Dogs said the charity was refurbishing the office and have located a temporary office for Guide Dogs staff for the duration of the refurbishment.

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