News / Housing
Outrage at proposals to relocate decades-old library
Proposals to relocate a decades-old library to a “new modern” premises have been met with fierce opposition.
Bristol City Council is considering moving Filwood Library to an old cinema site which is due to be redeveloped.
The council is demolishing the former Broadway Cinema to make way for housing, and says the library could share space on the ground floor of a proposed apartment block.
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But there are calls for the library to remain in its current position on Filwood Broadway in Knowle West, where it has stood since the 1960s.
The council also says housing could be built at the library’s existing location if it is moved elsewhere.
In a tweet, Vonalina Cake said the present library “MUST be kept! Knowle West is experiencing somewhat of a demolition job and it’s not cool!”
Becky Chapman added: “That is the coolest library. Don’t they realise mid century is where it’s at?”
And Joanne Finkel tweeted: “[Libraries] are one of few places people can spend time in with no obligation to purchase anything. @BristolCouncil are intent on demolishing anything in South Bristol that they can’t profit from”.
The former Broadway Cinema is being demolished to make way for housing – and could be where Filwood Library is relocated to. Photo by Charlie Watts
The council says there are a number of issues with the physical structure of the current library that have brought it to the end of its operational life.
It claims the building’s large windows make it a target for anti-social behaviour, that its mezzanine floor is not accessible and that the heating and boiler system requires a costly replacement.
A spokesperson said: “A potential new library development further up Filwood Broadway gives us an opportunity to enhance the service and provision, and create a facility that is safe and accessible.
“This proposal would enable better access to library services and use outside of normal library hours.
“It will also create a safer environment for residents and staff, delivering better facilities for the community.
“All of this represents an important investment in local services.”
The library could be moved into a shared space on the ground floor of a proposed new apartment block fronting onto Filwood Broadway. Photo by Bristol City Council
Filwood Library is also the base of the Filwood Chase History Society and a parent and baby group.
The building is open just four days a week, and was closed for a short period in 2021 “due to anti-social behaviour”.
It is one of only a few remaining facilities on Filwood Broadway, with housing also set to be built on the old swimming pool site on the street, while a campaign to try to stop the demolition of the former cinema rages on.
The council’s consultation on its proposals for the old cinema site – which include the potential relocation of the library – closes on February 4: www.bristol.gov.uk/filwoodbroadwayconsultation.
Charlie Watts is reporting on Knowle West as part of Bristol24/7’s community reporter scheme, a pilot project which aims to tell stories from areas of Bristol traditionally under-served by the mainstream media
Main photo by Charlie Watts
Read more: Housing set to replace historic former cinema
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