Plans have been scrapped to build a new health centre and expand a supermarket in a disadvantaged part of north Bristol, as part of a major regeneration project. Meanwhile the number of homes planned for a key development in the same project has gone up from 120 to 187.
Southmead will instead get a smaller “health and wellbeing hub” in the Glencoyne Square development. Construction has been delayed because the plans for the development have gone back to Bristol City Council for approval, with a decision expected this summer.
A youth centre and library in Southmead were closed, as part of the regeneration project, to make space for Aldi on Greystoke Avenue to expand. The supermarket — which previously warned it would shut down if it couldn’t expand — has since decided to scrap its expansion. Plans for a play park in Glencoyne Square have also been dropped due to a lack of space.
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The library has been temporarily relocated to Southmead House, and services formerly run at the youth centre are now being offered elsewhere in the area. The former youth centre building is currently occupied by a jiu jitsu club, but could be redeveloped for more housing.
Last year the council carried out major work in the shopping area, with new planting and benches and wider pavements. The extra planting, known as sustainable urban drainage, aims to help prevent floods. An update on the latest issues with the Southmead regeneration project was given to the cabinet on Tuesday, June 6.
Councillor Tom Renhard, cabinet member for housing, said: “Finding innovative ways to build housing is a key part of our plans to meet our ambitious affordable homes targets and tackle the housing crisis. One way we’re doing this is by working with local communities to enable them to build the homes that best reflect the needs of the neighbourhood.
“A really key example of this approach can be found in Southmead, where we’re supporting an ambitious, community-led regeneration and housing delivery programme working with the Arnside and Glencoyne regeneration project group.”
The Glencoyne Square development was given planning permission in 2021, including 120 new homes. But the plans, put forward by the Southmead Development Trust, a local community group, have now been changed with an increase in the number of homes to 187. Two thirds of these will be affordable.
Because of these changes, the trust has had to reapply to the council for planning permission, delaying construction work from starting. A decision on approving permission for the new plans is expected later this summer. In total the regeneration project could eventually see about 300 new homes built in the local area.
According to a cabinet report, a lack of funding from the NHS meant the plans could no longer go ahead to relocate Southmead Health Centre to the development on Glencoyne Square. Instead services will continue at the current site on Ullswater Road.
'Vital regeneration'
The new development will include a health and wellbeing hub, “potentially including an alternative health provider or fitness space”; as well as a library and a learning and advice centre. The cabinet agreed to spend £7.6 million to develop the ground floor of the building.
Speaking at the cabinet meeting, Deana Perry, a Southmead resident said: “It’s become clear that the regeneration of Arnside and Glencoyne Square is vital for Southmead. Our group of residents, councillors and stakeholders have been meeting monthly for over six years now with the sole aim of making a better future for Southmead.
“Cabinet approval today would be a massive step forward for our regeneration project. As a lifelong resident, I can honestly say that Arnside is the heart of Southmead, and for this development to be built is a dream that I hold very close to my heart.”
