Demolition work started on fire damaged former sports centre

Demolition work has begun on the derelict, fire-damaged, former Whitchurch Sports Centre. The centre, which was most recently operated by Action Indoor Sports, closed during the pandemic.

The disused facility was severely damaged in a fire in August 2023 and is being taken down carefully and methodically over a 12-week period. The fire, at its peak, took 12 fire engines to tackle and caused extensive damage. The building has sat derelict ever since.

We are working with demolition contractor Lawson Group to carry out the work. Once demolished, the land will help facilitate our Hengrove Park development, which will create 1,435 new homes, plus new sports and community facilities on the site of the former Whitchurch airfield.

Homes at the landmark new neighbourhood for south Bristol will surround a landscaped park the size of around 30 football pitches.

Councillor Barry Parsons, Chair of Bristol City Council’s Homes and Housing Delivery Committee, said: “Demolishing this building will remove what has become a serious health and safety risk in the area. It will also support Goram Homes’ work on the first phase of the Hengrove Park development, which will start later this year.

“Hengrove Park is a long-term project that will create a thriving new neighbourhood of homes to buy, homes for social rent and homes for shared ownership. New sports pitches, play facilities, running loop, and social spaces will also be created here, and benefit the whole community.”

A single lane road closure will be in place on Bamfield road, closest to Whitchurch Sports Centre, for approximately seven weeks during April and May, starting on the 21st April. This will enable Lawsons to safely demolish the structure nearest the roadway. Traffic lights and pedestrian crossings will be put in place during this period.

The Family Cycling Centre remains open, and the car park has been moved to St Bernadette’s rugby club car park next door.

The demolition site is fully secured, with perimeter fencing and locked gates to prevent access. Security will be present outside of working hours.

Elaine Olphert, our technical director, says: “An expert demolition team will take down the building carefully over a 12-week period to ensure least disruption possible to surrounding residents and businesses. We thank local people for their patience during this work.”