Bristol City Council rejects calls to save running track in blow to campaigners

Last month BristolWorld revealed that campaigners were calling for the former Whitchurch Athletics Track in the south of the city to be restored.           

As well as a 2,000-strong petition, Olympians including gold medalist Jason Gardener have backed the campaign for the track, which originally opened in 1973.        

But the council says the track, which is part of the wider Hengrove Park site where building work is due to start on 1,435 new homes towards the end of the year, is a “key part of the council’s city-wide housebuilding initiative”.          

In a statement to BristolWorld, a spokesperson for Bristol City Council said: “Due to its age and condition, the council made the decision to close Whitchurch Athletics Track in 2010. 

“The Whitchurch site has since become a key part of the council’s city-wide housebuilding initiative, adding vital new homes to Bristol’s strained housing stock. 

 “We understand the concerns of residents over this decision and have since funded a new track in Whitehall which is accessible to the wider community and plays host to regular clubs and events throughout the year.   

“The nearby Hengrove Leisure Centre also offers varied opportunities for residents to get active, and we encourage residents to also use the excellent open space at Whitchurch Airfield for exercise.     

“However, we remain committed to promoting sport and activity in our communities, and whilst any campaign to bring Whitchurch Athletics Track back into use as a sports facility is not supported by the council due to its impact on housing delivery, we remain open to discussions with local residents about how we can provide track facilities in South Bristol.”

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Since 2016 the track has been used as the Bristol Cycling Centre, but in 2022 the council announced plans to relocate the facility to Lawrence Weston.        

The campaign to save the track was started by Whitchurch resident John Pearce, who said it “stands empty of athletes, empty of competition, and offering no opportunity to the local athletes of the future.”            

“We want to change this and not only see the track fully restored but also used to benefit the community and wider area for present and future generations,” he added.  

“Regenerating Whitchurch Athletics Track will provide a much-needed space for physical activity, fostering talent in young athletes while promoting health and well-being in our community.” 

He told BristolWorld he hopes the council rethinks its position on the track after the General Election.   

“We’ll keep pushing forward, we’ve got more people coming on board and we’ll stay positive.”

Alongside sprinter Jason Gardener, Olympians backing the campaign include runners Kate Reed and Nick Rose - all of which used the track.   

In a message of support, Gardener, who took gold in the 4x100m relay in 2004, said “losing this 8-lane track would be a great loss for the city”.   

“This track not only provides a platform for athletes to excel but also promotes active lifestyles and keeps communities connected in a positive way,” he said.  

“I urge the council to reconsider its closure and preserve this asset for future generations to benefit from.”