Ward profiles 2021: Filwood – ‘We are trying to make it what we always knew it could be’

Sitting on a bench looking out over Filwood Broadway, Phillip Bulejko says he remembers going to the now-dilapidated red brick cinema building as a child.

The long-term resident was brought up in the area and says it’s a far cry from the 60s and 70s, when local shops were full and thriving – yet he says things are starting to change for the better again as businesses are opening up and community work pays off.

The boarded-up former cinema that has stood empty for more than 20 years is due to be demolished and the high street has been earmarked as one of nine in the city prioritised for investment as part of a £4.7m recovery package.

Investment is what is needed in the area, says Phillip. “In some ways, it’s getting back to how my generation knew Knowle West,” he tells Bristol24/7.

“It’s getting better; you get people cycling, we have a lovely sandwich shop, there’s a new store opening behind you.”

The old cinema on Filwood Broadway is due to be demolished

Pointing towards Hartcliffe Road, Phillip adds: “They’re building lovely new houses over in that direction, but there’s nothing up here for them. They could put a supermarket here.”

On Tuesday afternoon, children are having fun in the sun in the playground in front of Filwood Community Centre – which may currently be closed due to Covid regulations but would normally be a bustling hub.

Here, the array of activities ranges from boxing to theatre, and the pioneering straw house built by the Knowle West community can be seen through the fence posts. We Can Make is a collaboration between residents and digital arts charity Knowle West Media Centre (KWMC) and has been put forward as a potential blueprint for housing estates across the UK.

Filwood Broadway could become a destination for south Bristol and beyond

The strength of community here has seen the launch of initiatives such as a market, Filwood Broadway walk of fame and a mission to plant trees in the south Bristol neighbourhood.

“I’ve just seen it and it looks so lush,” says Makala Cheung, referring to the new crazy golf course and walk of fame inside Filwood Community Centre.

The creative director of Filwood Fantastic grew up in Knowle West and says it is a really resilient community that is working together to make the neighbourhood better for all.

“There’s a real drive to work together to build on the assets we already have and work on a new design for Filwood Broadway,” continues Makala.

“We are really just trying to make it what we always knew it could be but which has always been a struggle in the past because of things such as funding cuts. It’s a real pivotal point where we are really developing Filwood Broadway as a destination for south Bristol and beyond.”

This, it is hoped, will include supporting and showcasing local talent, businesses and independents.

There are proposals to build 50 new homes on a section of Knowle West Health Park

Over in Knowle West Health Park, there’s the faint sound of music on Tuesday afternoon as people of all ages make the most of the afternoon sun, lounging or using the outdoor gym. A 1.2 hectare patch of this green space has been earmarked as a potential site for 50 new homes.

Under the plans being proposed by Goram Homes, the housing company owned by Bristol City Council, the playpark and multi-use games area could be relocated to another part of the site.

Heather Williams, the chief executive of Knowle West Health Park is among those who have raised concerns about the proposals, saying the development would be too invasive.

Charlie Watts, a former Knowle West resident and community reporter for Bristol24/7, agrees it would be a shame to lose any of the green space that has proved so valuable to the community over the last year.

“In Filwood, we’ve got lots of green spaces, like the Northern Slopes, Knowle West Health Park and the Western Slopes. These have been really good for people’s mental and physical health through the lockdown,” says Charlie.

“A new secondary school is also coming to Knowle West and should be completed by the end of 2023, but the sooner it opens, the better. It’s been said many times before, but the area really does need a supermarket as well.”

He adds that youth groups, such as award-winning charity Youth Moves, have done an amazing job supporting young people through the pandemic and play a big role in the community.

View from the Northern Slopes

Some of the challenges for people in Filwood ward are highlighted in recent data published by Bristol City Council, which reveals 16 per cent of people in the area find it difficult to manage financially, compared to a citywide average of nine per cent.

Hoardings surrounding a site just off Hengrove Way indicate one of a number of developments in the area. It is hoped these will be matched with much-needed investment in facilities that could benefit the whole ward.

Filwood is currently represented by Labour councillors Chris Jackson and Jeff Lovell. Contesting the seat will be Harriet Hansen and Barney Smith for the Greens and Lib Dem candidates Crispin Allard and Jackie Norman.

One of the new developments just off Hengrove Way

All photos by Ellie Pipe

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