We’re pleased to share the news that that architects Hayhurst & Co, supported by their team including Integral Engineering, Greengauge and You&Me Architecture, have submitted a planning application for the retrofit and expansion work at Filwood Community Centre.
It’s been a while since our last update, however, lots of work has been going on behind the scenes.
Over the past few months we have met with stakeholders and held engagement sessions for local people, inviting them to come along to see the plans and have their say on what they think should be included in the new design.
We’ve also been working with our existing tenants and Filwood Library to discuss their requirements and make sure everything they need will be incorporated in the new design.
The application was verified on 8 July and was open to public comment until 30 July. You can see the application and comments here: https://tinyurl.com/Filwoodcentreplanningapp
Although we are not able to appoint a contractor currently, we anticipate building work will start at the end of this year or the start of 2025, with the demolition of the old skittle alley. While it may seem a shame to lose this part of the building we can assure you that it’s not; this part of the building has been in a state of severe disrepair for an
exceedingly long time and is not safe to use. The plan is to replace it with a modern two-storey building, although this will depend on the outcome of the planning application.
Unfortunately, the scale of the work involved throughout the building means we’ll have to close for around 12 months. We looked at options for phasing the work but ultimately concluded that the safest and most efficient way to get everything done is to close completely.
However, that doesn't mean we'll stop operating as a community centre, things will just be a little different for a while. We're talking to a number of local organisations to secure space for us to use during the closure so that we can continue offering space for our regular users as well as for creative activities and community workshops.
Bristol City Council has also been working with our tenants to secure temporary space during the building work and they have all been updated on the plans.
We’ll be sharing more news as and when we have more to share – including the results of the planning application.
In the meantime, if you have questions or you would like to find out more about the wider Levelling Up Project, please visit this website: Transforming Filwood Broadway Levelling Up Fund Projects | Ask Bristol Consultation and Engagement Hub.
You can also sign up to the Filwood Community Centre newsletter to receive updates about upcoming events here: click here to subscribe.