News / Whitchurch Athletics Track
Last-ditch call to save running track
Campaigners are mounting a final push to save a 50-year-old running track and cycling centre from being built on and replaced with housing.
John Pearce, who is leading the charge to save Whitchurch Athletics Track, said such a move would be “a slap in the face to south Bristol”, arguing the facilities are vital to the area’s sporting future.
However, under a decision by the Green-led administration to accelerate housebuilding on the site, the track on Bamfield Road could soon be handed over to developers.
Labour said the facility is now “officially doomed” and accused the Greens of dashing campaigners’ hopes following a “behind-closed-doors meeting” between the council’s strategy and resources committee and its chief executive.
Council leader Tony Dyer defended the move to press ahead with housing at Hengrove Park.
Local residents have been campaigning to retain Whitchurch Athletics Track for budding sportspeople in the area
Plans to redevelop the site were originally approved in 2020 under the administration of former Labour mayor Marvin Rees.The wider scheme has progressed slowly since then with proposals for up to 1,400 homes on the former airport site.
Tom Renhard, leader of Bristol Labour, accused the Green administration of breaking earlier assurances and avoiding scrutiny by deciding to fast-track construction at a meeting on February 23.
“This development is worth hundreds of millions of pounds – the decision to fast-track the plans should have been made by a committee,” he said.
“I understand they may want to crack on and build the homes there, but they should be transparent about their intentions and tell the public.”
Bristol Family Cycling Centre also uses the athletics track – photo: Bristol Family Cycling Centre
Responding in a statement to Bristol24/7, Dyer said: “The decision to ensure delivery of housing at Hengrove Park was made under delegated authority by the chief executive officer in consultation with myself as the leader of the council.
“The delegation process was as agreed by the previous Labour administration and the decision made is fully consistent with the development proposals and planning permission as granted in 2020 for the whole of the Hengrove Park development.
“The delivery of homes at Hengrove Park was a major flagship policy of the previous Labour administration.
“If the Bristol Labour Party are now reneging on their promise to deliver homes, including hundreds of genuinely affordable homes, in south Bristol, then they need to be honest about that with Bristol residents including the thousands of Bristol families stuck on the Housing Waiting List or in Temporary Accommodation.”
A CGI of how the Bristol Regional Cycling Hub in Lawrence Weston would look – image: Bristol City Council
Speaking to BBC Radio Bristol, Pearce said there are “lots of exciting facilities in the pipeline”, pointing to new developments linked to the city’s professional sports clubs and a forthcoming youth zone near Hartcliffe.
“But why not athletics as well? Why can’t we broaden provision and give young people more opportunities?”
He also questioned plans for a new regional cycling hub in Lawrence Weston, around ten miles from Whitchurch Athletics Track.
“Realistically, how many families from south Bristol are going to travel across the city, especially during a cost of living crisis?” he said.
The issue is set to be debated at a full council meeting at City Hall on Tuesday, March 10.
Main photo: Save Whitchurch Athletics Track
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