Save The Forest! Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I heard your building is definitely being sold! Is this true? What does this mean for Forest’s future and for the campaign?
A: No, this is not true. There is currently no prospective buyer for the building, as far as we know. So we are trying to buy it ourselves.
Q: Why did you leave 3 Bristo Place? Does that mean Forest is over?
The administrators terminated our tenancy and gave us notice to quit 3 Bristo place, in accordance with our lease, by 31 August.
Forest is not over. We are currently trying to raise funds to buy 3 Bristo Place. And we will continue running events in the mean time — not just fundraisers, but special free Forest events too, like we’ve always done. And even if we don’t manage to buy Bristo, we will continue operating elsewhere.
Q: Can you really buy the building?
Yes. We’re trying to raise around £100,000 for a deposit on a mortgage for the building. We believe we can do this, with your help. Pledge to be part of it at http://www.wefund.com/project/help-forest-cafe-buy-bristo-place
Q: What will happen if you don’t manage to buy the building?
A: Any funds raised to date will help us secure a new premises and undertake the necessary outfitting of that property. We are actively looking for appropriate alternative property in the city centre, both to buy or to rent. If you know of or even own an available space, please get in touch.
Q: How much money have you raised so far, and what are you trying to raise?
A: As of 31st August 2011, we have raised over £30,000. That’s roughly enough to pay a year’s commercial rent in a slightly smaller premises building. The funds raised also put us in a very strong position to benefit from other sources of money, such as match-funding.
Q: Why is the building for sale? / Why did the Roxy close and you didn’t?
A: Our former landlords, the Edinburgh University Settlement, went bankrupt. This is not our fault: we had no control over it at all. The Roxy closed because it was run by the EUS; we are still open because we just rented from them. All our rent currently goes to the EUS’s creditors. Q: Who would own/manage the new building?
Q: Have you thought about running a pledge bank, taking a loan, applying for grants or doing something else to raise enough money?
A: We’ve thought about lots of things and we are approaching this with a bit of strategy. We’re trying to do the best thing to raise enough money, but also to keep Forest free and independent. We are exploring what grants are available, whether that’s to help in the purchase of a building or making a leased premises more sustainable. Likewise, we are running events and accepting donations to help boost our funds. However, if you have ideas or time to offer, we really do want to hear from you at fundraising@theforest.org.uk.