Residents in Bishopsworth have called for their historic village centre to be commemorated on the site of the now-closed swimming pool.
With the new Olympic-sized swimming pool at the nearby Hengrove Leisure Centre having opened earlier this year, the baths at Bishopsworth were closed for good.
There are presently no plans to develop the redundant site, but residents have told the local councillors they want a “more imaginative” use of the site, instead of a potential new set of flats being built.
Local people are now being urged to attend a public meeting next week to discuss the site’s redevelopment.
Councillor Kevin Quartley said: “We have arranged for Planning Officers to be there as well as representatives of the City Council who are charged with running the closed swimming pool.
“It is difficult to get away from the fact that the site was the original location of the medieval village of Bishopsworth and many of the responses we have had would like to see this fact commemorated.”
The site of the pool was formerly the first church in Bishopsworth, built in 1194. This was converted into three cottages in the 16th century and they stood until they were demolished in 1961 to make way for the pool.
Councillor Richard Eddy added: “We thank local people for being passionate about their baths and responding so well to our plea for ideas for the future use of the land.
“Everyone who has responded has stated that they do not wish to see flats on the site and would prefer that the Council was more imaginative, meeting neighbourhood needs and providing employment use.”
The public meeting will take place on Thursday, April 26 at 7.30pm at St Peter’s Church in Bishopsworth.
