News / st george
More details on former bowls club revival
Further details about plans to restore a former bowls club in St George’s Park have been revealed.
Speaking to Bristol24/7, George Sandilands, a club director, said the plans are progressing, with organisers aiming to open the space to the public on the Early May bank holiday.
The site, which closed in October 2022 due to rising operating costs, is being brought back into use by the St George Bowls & Social Club Community Interest Company (CIC) – a group of local residents working with Bristol City Council and partners, including organisers of the festival Loves Saves The Day.
“This park is one of the best green spaces in Bristol,” George said.
“We want to show that this building can once again be a place where people meet, play bowls, share activities and feel welcome.”
“The CIC live around the park and really care about the area, when we discovered the club couldn’t continue operating, we started looking into whether there was a way to bring it back into use.”
The bowling green hasn’t been used since October 2022
Conscious of local gentrification and the cost of living crisis, the team plans to run a community cafe offering low-cost food and drink, alongside accessible activities for all.
Following nearly two years of discussions with the council and engagement with local residents, George described the revamp as a multicultural hub designed to foster community spirit.
He said: “We’ve been speaking to residents and community groups about what they’d like to see here.
“The goal is to create a space that’s genuinely open and accessible to lots of different people.”
Activities are expected to include yoga, tai chi, book clubs and repair cafes.
George said the idea is to use leisure activities as a way of strengthening community connections.
“We’ve been using the phrase ‘leisure as a force for good’,” he said.
“How can outdoor activity and shared spaces help bring people together?”
On the menu: “leisure as a force for good” and a low-cost cafe for all
If the initial opening goes ahead as planned, the venue will offer bowls, the cafe and bookable indoor spaces for community use, before expanding later in the year.
The group is also exploring the possibility of launching a regular weekend market in the park, giving local traders and small businesses a place to sell food, crafts and other goods.
“It’s about asking what helps a neighbourhood come together,” George said.
“Things like markets and shared activities can really help build those connections.”
The CIC is currently recruiting staff for the project, including a general manager and duty manager.
For the organisers, the revival of the club is about ensuring the space remains a public asset rather than being lost forever.
The opening of the St George Bowls & Social Club would mark the first time the venue has been in use since the final bowls were played on the greens more than three years ago.
Carla Wakfer 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: Carla Wakfer
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