Work begins to demolish fire-damaged former Bristol sports centre in Whitchurch as road closure planned

The former Whitchurch Sports Centre on Bamfield is being pulled down as part of the council’s plans for 1,435 new homes on the adjacent Hengrove Park.

It comes after the sports centre was severely damaged by arson in August 2023.

There had also been hopes to save the centre as part of a campaign to restore the neighbouring former athletics track.

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In a Facebook post about the demolition plans, Agent Kim UK wrote: “Demolition work on the derelict former Whitchurch Sports Centre will start on 24th March.

“The disused facility was severely damaged in a fire in August 2023 and will be taken down carefully and methodically over a 12-week period.

“Lawson Demolition Ltd is carrying out the work, and the team thanks residents for their patience and understanding during the demolition works.

“A single lane road closure will be in place on Bamfield road, closest to Whitchurch Sports Centre, for approximately 7 weeks during April and May, likely starting on 21st April.

“This will enable Lawson to safely demolish the structure nearest the roadway.

“Traffic lights and pedestrian crossings will be put in place during this period too.

“Safety is the number one priority and access to the site is strictly prohibited.

“The site will be fully secured during the demolition work, with perimeter fencing and locked gates to prevent access.

“Security will be present outside of working hours.

“The Family Cycling Centre is still open, but the car park is closed for safety reasons.

“Visitors can use the former St Bernadette’s rugby club car park next door and a pedestrian entrance on Bamfield, which is well sign posted.

“Once demolished, the land will help facilitate Goram Homes’ Hengrove Park development, which will create 1,435 new homes, plus new sport and community facilities on the site of the former Whitchurch airfield.”