Bristol community centre to undergo £10m redevelopment as plans submitted

A planning application has now been submitted for the major refurbishment and expansion project for Filwood Community Centre in Knowle West, with an artist impression by architects Hayhurst and Co showing what it will look like.

The redevelopment of the 1938 building on Filwood Broadway is the centrepiece of the regeneration plans for the street, which was allocated £14.5m in government Levelling Up funding at the start of last year.

The project is being backed by Bristol City Council and Community In Partnership Knowle West, which runs the community centre.

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As well as a new home for Filwood Library, which is currently based further down the street in a 1960s building, the plans include improved spaces for events and community groups, alongside office space for long-term users.         

Xanthe Swift, chair of trustees of Community In Partnership Knowle West, said: “Sitting at the head of the Broadway, our iconic red brick building has seen a whole world of change in its 85 years - and now it’s time for this heart of the community to receive some much-needed love.

“We want to bring our facilities into the 21st century and make sure we’re able to offer everyone the activities and services they want and need for the next 85 years.

“And we’re not just talking about a lick of paint and some new curtains, we’ll be adding more space and making the whole building more welcoming, sustainable and accessible for all.”

Speaking to BristolWorld, Makala Cheung, who was appointed the centre’s director last year, said the idea is to offer traditional, community-based activities as well as a cultural hub.

There are hopes the main hall in the building could become a music venue, with a cafe and nursery also being explored as potential additions to the centre.

On the redevelopment moving forward, Makala told BristolWorld: “It kind of feels like a dream come true but I have to pinch myself.

“I have to stop and realise I’ve got to the thing that I’ve been working towards, that I’ve been dreaming about.

“A destination bringing people to the area as well as showcasing local talent and being a place to be proud of.”

As well as the redevelopment of the community centre, the Levelling Up funds for Filwood Broadway will also see a redesign of the Filwood high street and a new multi-use games area nearby - while a new playpark has already been created outside the front of the centre.

Last month BristolWorld revealed how work has now started on building 30 new homes and a small supermarket on the site of a former 1930s art deco cinema on the street, which was demolished last year.

There are also new homes set to be built on the former 1960s swimming baths site on the street - but housing association LiveWest pulled its 29 home planning application last year.