South Bristol's regeneration takes major step forward

Proposals to transform part of Knowle West in Bristol with new homes, employment opportunities and improved open space have been submitted to planners by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

The HCA has submitted an outline planning application to Bristol City Council regenerate its land at Filwood Park, which includes proposals to provide: 

• A new and improved public park. 
• Up to 150 homes, of which 30% would be affordable. 
• Up to 8,000 sq m of business and office space with associated car parking.

If approved, the proposals could unlock investment in the area and create new jobs for local people. The plans were created following detailed consultation with local people, which included a five day community event last November which helped shape the long-term vision for the site.

They form a vital strand of the council’s wider plans to regenerate Knowle West. These have also been the subject of extensive and ongoing local consultation, including work with local people to develop proposals for a new shopping centre for Filwood Broadway.

To support the proposed project, the HCA has secured around £1m in Government funding to invest in improving open space at Filwood Park if the planning application is approved.

The news has been welcomed by lifelong Knowle West resident Denise Britt, who chairs Community in Partnership, a local charity which helps residents work with the council and other partners to improve the area.

“Residents have been very positive about the way they have been involved in these plans," said Denise. 

"We had said that we wanted an improved park and were pleased to see that this had been taken on board. I think the plans that I have seen are fantastic and will make a real difference to the area.”

David Warburton, HCA head of area, said:

“This planning application forms a central part of our own and partners’ ambitions to create local jobs and opportunities, deliver high quality new homes and improve the provision of open space at Filwood Park. It also links with wider plans for the regeneration of Knowle West, by creating a new gateway to the area and providing a platform on which further investment can be attracted and improvements delivered.

“We have been really pleased with the level of commitment local people have shown in getting involved in this important project and the ideas they have put forward, and this has resulted in a strong proposal. We remain committed to working with partners and local people to help deliver this vision for Filwood Park.”

Councillor Anthony Negus, the council’s executive member for planning, property and regeneration, said:

“The application for Filwood Park marks a new beginning for Knowle West. The aim of the project is to create a beautiful park, provide employment and bring affordable home ownership to within the reach of more local people. By 2015, the area will be served by a high-quality rapid transit system linking more local people to jobs and prosperity north of the city as well as new opportunities close to home.

“It’s all coming together – exciting times are ahead for south Bristol people.”

It is anticipated that a decision will be made on the planning application before the summer, with building work to deliver infrastructure improvements to start in the autumn.

The HCA’s aims for the project are shaped by the 13 community objectives identified during Bristol City Council’s consultation on the Knowle West Regeneration  Framework.