News / Vassall Centre
Charity postpones plans to redevelop community centre into ‘vibrant’ hub
Bristol Charities has put its plans to dramatically redevelop its Vassell Centre site in Fishponds on hold, citing “affordability and the economic climate”.
The 81-year-old building was set to be transformed into a new multi-generational neighbourhood and workspace following planning approval in 2023.
According to the charity, the decision also reflects feedback it has heard from tenants, partners and the wider community.
Bristol City Council’s development control committee had voted unanimously to grant permission after hearing the positives “far outweighed” the negatives, including concerns about scale, parking and transport.
At the time, Julian Mines, CEO of Bristol Charities, said that the project’s combination of housing, work and community spaces would enhance the lives of both those on site and existing locals.
Bristol Charities remains “open to redevelopment” in the future – photo: AWW Architects
These ambitious plans to build a redeveloped “community hub” and to offer new services have now been scaled back after “careful consideration”.
Sophie Jerrold, director of fundraising at Bristol Charities, said: “We are remaining open to future redevelopment when the conditions are right and will be reinvesting in the building to make sure it is fit for modern purposes.”
The centre was built in 1945 and used by American soldiers in World War Two.
Jerrold said a new wellbeing garden and toilet renovations are on the near-term to-do list.
The project was given planning approval in 2023 – photo: Bristol Charities/Spirit PR
She added: “We want to ensure that the building continues to be gold standard in terms of an inclusive and welcoming place for future generations.”
Other improvements could include expanded food provision and health and fitness facilities.
The Vassall Centre will continue to support 25 voluntary, charitable and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations, providing workspaces and meeting spaces.
Main photo: Bristol Charities/Spirit PR
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