It will be located in one of the city’s most socio-economically deprived areas
Artist impression of the Robins Foundation’s new sports and education hub at Filwood Playing Fields in South Bristol(Image: Robins Foundation)
The full plan for the transformation of a community playing field into a new ‘sports and education hub’ has been revealed, as a planning application is formally submitted to the city council.
Bristol City’s charitable arm, the Robins Foundation, wants to create the huge new hub at Filwood Fields, in one of South Bristol’s most socio-economically deprived areas.
The plans will see a multi-million sports complex created on what is currently the run-down home of Mendip Broadwalk FC, and an area set aside for community playing fields that has been neglected for years.
The boss of the Robins Foundation said their plans were ‘hugely exciting’, and represent a ‘significant investment in sport, education and community infrastructure’ in the area.
Bristol Live previously revealed that Robins Foundation had struck a deal with the city council and those managing the fields, to create the hub – on Wednesday, the charity unveiled what the space will look like for the first time, as a planning application was submitted.
The announcement of the planning application comes as Bristol City owner Steve Lansdown’s vision for a ‘Sporting Quarter’ at Ashton Gate took a step forward. Bristol Live reported exclusively on Wednesday that work was finally getting underway to create a 5,000 capacity sports arena and convention centre, a hotel, offices, new homes and a multi-storey car park on land next to the existing stadium.
At Filwood Fields, a new multi-purpose community hub is planned – with big investment from the billionaire City owner, and the charity connected to the club.
“The proposed development represents a significant investment in sport, education and community infrastructure, designed to create new opportunities for local people of all ages and backgrounds,” said a Robins Foundation spokesperson.
READ MORE: New sports facilities planned for South Bristol after Robins Foundation secures playing fieldsREAD MORE: First look at Bristol City’s Robins Foundation plan to transform rundown playing fields in South Bristol
“At the heart of the plans is a new purpose-built hub, which will serve as a base for the Robins Foundation and a new clubhouse for Mendip Broadwalk Football Club. The facility will include modern changing rooms, an indoor sports hall, education classrooms, a conference space, and flexible community areas including a café, bar and function room.
“Alongside the indoor facilities, the plans outline a comprehensive upgrade to the outdoor space. This includes new and improved grass pitches, two artificial grass pitches, a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), a MUSCO mini pitch, a Cruyff Court, and dedicated children’s play areas,” he added.
“The development will also feature an extended car park and additional seating areas, creating a welcoming and accessible space for the wider community, including those who wish to enjoy the environment through dog walking and outdoor recreation.
Plans for the transformation of Filwood Fields, proposed by Bristol City Robins Foundation(Image: Robins Foundation)
“The project has been developed in partnership with Tetlow King Planning, with a strong focus on community engagement throughout to ensure the proposals reflect local needs and aspirations,” he added.
The Filwood Broadway area of Knowle West is at the start of a major regeneration project – it received £14 million from the previous Government’s ‘Levelling Up’ programme, which is being spent on a major refurbishment and revamp of the Filwood Community Centre, new homes being built on sites around the community and new shops on the main shopping parade.
The Filwood Fields are just across the road from Filwood Broadway, and are part of the overall regeneration programme.
READ MORE: Excitement in ‘forgotten’ Bristol area as Government millions arriveREAD MORE: Filwood Fantastic – The cynical, forgotten Bristol community with £14 million to spend
“The proposed hub is intended to act as a catalyst for wider social and economic regeneration in the Filwood and Knowle areas, helping to address local inequalities and expand access to sport, education and community provision,” a Robins Foundation spokesperson said. “Bristol City Robins Foundation will continue to work closely with Bristol City Council as the application progresses, with the ambition of delivering a facility that will benefit the community for generations to come,” he added.
The boss of the Bristol City Robins Foundation, chief executive Dan White, said they wanted the area to be something the ‘community can be proud of’.
(Image: Bristol City Council)
“This is a hugely exciting moment for the Robins Foundation and for the local community in South Bristol,” he said.
“These proposals represent a long-term investment in people, providing high-quality facilities that will support education, improve health and wellbeing, and create inclusive opportunities for everyone.
“We want this to be a space that the community can be proud of, somewhere that brings people together and creates real, lasting impact.
“To get the project to this phase wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of the Lansdown family and Bristol City Football Club, whose backing has been instrumental,” he added.