Features / st george
What will become of St George Social Club?
There is a colourful mosaic of pictures on the outside wall of the former St George Social Club, later also known as St George Liberal Club.
A former private members’ snooker hall, which hosted quizzes and game nights until 2018, has been derelict for quite some time.
Behind the front of the building, welcoming people to the bustling string of shops, businesses and restaurants along Church Road, the place has been stripped, and some parts are open to the elements.
is needed now More than ever
It is a sizeable building in desperate need of refurbishment and if taken over, could provide a sizeable boost to the local area.
32-year-old Chris often passes the colourful but derelict building on Church Road
A planning proposal by Lona Grill House, a Lebanese eatery, was refused in November 2024 on the grounds of limited information, specifically about ventilation and external alterations. But what now?
What do local residents want to see happen?
Bristol24/7 hit Church Road to find out.
Amy, 40, recalled a community hub in Belfast that provided a covered area for people to socialise free of charge: “There was a cafe where people could also bring their own food. It was good to have a place for people to hang out without having to pay, which you’d have to do in a regular cafe.”
Rachel, 31, who had recently moved to the area from Bedminster, thought there were enough cafes.
The Rubino Lounge of the ever-growing Lounge chain is the latest addition to the area, and has received a mixed reception from local residents, with some lamenting the ongoing gentrification of the area.
Instead, Rachel liked the idea of the space becoming a maker’s market to promote local entrepreneurship.
Jamil, 16, together with his two younger sisters, thought the area could benefit from a kids’ play area, as there wasn’t much for children his sisters’ age to do.
Rose 40, a mother of two, said: “I like the idea of a restaurant; it would just be good to see it in operation again.”
Chris, 32, thought that a music venue would attract more people to the area.
After talking to many people walking past, it became clear that residents, given the opportunity to think about their needs, have lots of creative ideas.
However, the old social club is not an asset of community value, which makes it more likely that private interests dominate the outcome.
Kiran Dhami is reporting on St George as part of Bristol24/7’s Community Reporters programme, aiming to amplify marginalised voices and communities often overlooked by mainstream media.
This initiative is funded by our public, Better Business members and a grant from the Nisbets Trust.
All photos: Kiran Dhami
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