Ward profiles 2021: Knowle – ‘People are voluntarily doing great things’

It was a big day for many in Knowle on Monday as the Jubilee Swimming Pool finally reopened after a prolonged closure.

Standing near the distinctive red brick water tower, the future of the much-loved art deco facility in Knowle was recently under threat for a third time, prompting a major campaign to save it.

That the pool on Jubilee Road is back open and thriving is a testament to the strength of feeling in the area and willingness to mobilise people together.

Julie Laming of the Save Jubilee Pool group believes the community cohesion in Knowle is its greatest asset.

Jubilee Swimming Pool reopened its doors on Monday after a prolonged closure

“In light of clear council ambivalence and continued cost-cutting, so many people are voluntarily doing great things to keep our local community facilities, such as the library and the pool, and public outdoor spaces open and running,” Julie tells Bristol24/7.

“We’re so lucky to have good childcare and school provision, alongside great sports and leisure facilities. We have some fabulous outdoor spaces – from our public parks and play areas to local nature reserves.”

Redcatch Park and community garden, Arnos Vale Cemetery and The Park community centre are just some of the places on the doorstep for residents in Knowle ward. The green spaces are a source of pride in the area, with 82 per cent of the Knowle population saying they are satisfied with their parks – well above the citywide average of 72 per cent – according to Bristol City Council’s quality of life survey.

The Park in Knowle is one of a number of community facilities

But the ward, which has some areas with high levels of deprivation, isn’t without its problems. The level of congestion and poor bus links were among key issues highlighted by residents in the survey – with only 33 per cent of people saying they were happy with the local bus service and 87 per cent stating traffic congestion is a big problem.

“There are areas of Knowle that suffer from shocking levels of social deprivation, inequality and are bereft of decent facilities,” says Julie. “We have some of the highest rates of cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and obesity in the city, which means that the life expectancy of people here is much lower than Bristol’s wealthier areas.

“These issues, alongside renewed investment in the local community facilities, are the ones that we would like to see improved and addressed as a matter of urgency so that all residents of Knowle can enjoy all that it has to offer.”

Diners outside Broadway Buffet after the easing of lockdown restrictions on Monday

On Monday, there’s a sense of optimism in the air on Broad Walk as non-essential shops and businesses reopen for the first time in months.

There’s a chilly wind sweeping over the hill but that doesn’t put off the people sat at tables outside Broadway Buffets, hands wrapped around steaming mugs as they await their orders.

Others walk with bags and shopping trolleys in and around Broadwalk Shopping Centre and the surrounding shops, cafes and takeaways.

Julie says the benefits of having a shopping centre on the doorstep have really come to the fore during lockdown, adding that a wider selection of small, independent businesses would be welcome.

Redcatch Community Garden opened on a disused bowling green four years ago

In Redcatch Park, the play area is a hive of activity and there is already a small queue forming at Roots Café in Redcatch Community Garden.

Opened four years ago on a disused bowling green, Redcatch Community Garden is an entirely volunteer-run project that has recently raised £40,000 to install a new marquee, enabling the team to continue the wide range of activities on offer whatever the weather.

Kate Swain, the project manager for Redcatch Community Garden, says Knowle benefits from having such a strong community and great number of local organisations.

She adds: “As with many areas, it would benefit from more activities targeted at young people and those who need support with their health and wellbeing.”

The strength of community in Knowle is strong

Knowle ward is currently represented by Lib Dem councillors Gary Hopkins and Christopher Davies, both of whom are standing for reelection.

Contesting the seat for Greens are local resident Natasha Clarke and student Patrick Mcallister.

Brandon Gage, a union representative at Tesco who grew up locally, and Knowle resident Michele Tedder will be standing for Labour.

Diane Gilpin and Jenny Rogers are Conservative candidates and Domenico Hill will stand for the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition.

All photos by Ellie Pipe

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