Proposals to ‘breathe new life’ into Fishponds site revealed

A centre built in 1945 as a base for American soldiers is set to be transformed into a new multi-generational neighbourhood and workspace.

Bristol Charities bought the Vassall Centre in Fishponds earlier this year and has now revealed details of proposals to redevelop the site into homes for older people and families, with community facilities that will include a café, nursery and landscaped courtyard.

Those leading the project say it will “breathe new life” into the tired buildings that have low levels of energy efficiency and sustainability and they are inviting members of the public to give their views before submitting a planning application next spring.

Under the proposals, the site on Gill Avenue will be divided into three key areas:

• One section will provide homes for older people surrounding a courtyard garden, with an additional supported housing block for people with additional needs.
• A ‘hub’ with a café and new workspace will be built in the centre of the site, continuing the current offering of accessible workspace and conference facilities for businesses, charities and not-for-profit organisations. There are also plans to locate a nursery next to the housing for older people with a view to encouraging interaction between the residents, staff and children.
• ‘Affordable’ family homes will form phase two of the development, with plans to build a mixture of two and three-bedroom homes and apartments for families.

Under the proposals, the Vassall Centre site will be divided into three key areas – image courtesy of Bristol Charities/Spirit PR

Anne Anketell, chief executive officer at Bristol Charities said: “We are hoping to deliver much-needed new housing for older people and families and build a really connected and supported community for everyone living and working here. The views of local residents and tenants are hugely important to us so we’re asking people to join us for brief consultation events either in person or online, or simply to visit our website to view the details and share their views and ideas.”

Bristol Charities provides opportunities and support for people to improve lives through grants, housing and charitable projects. The charity has been working with AWW architects, based on Baldwin Street, on the proposals for the Vassall Centre, which also include plans to boost biodiversity with new trees, planting and space for wildlife.

Richard Gore, chair of trustees at Bristol Charities added: “We believe these proposed new facilities will breathe new life into the site, opening it up to people living in the area, making much better use of the space and increasing public and community facilities, green space and biodiversity.”

Local residents and tenants are being invited to hear more about the ideas and share their views on the proposals that are on display in the reception area of the Vassall Centre until the consultation closes on Friday, December 10.

A drop-in session is being held at the site from 4.30pm to 6pm on Tuesday, November 23 and an online session is taking place on Wednesday, November 24 from 6pm to 7pm.

Bristol Charities intends to hold a second round of consultation early next year and, subject to planning permission, hopes to start work on phase one in winter 2022. Find out more via www.bristolcharities.org.uk/projects/.

Bristol Charities want to “breathe new life” into the site that was once used as a base for American soldiers – image courtesy of Bristol Charities/Spirit PR

Main photo courtesy of Bristol Charities/Spirit PR

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