Work begins on new Bishopston Library and Community Health Centre

Work has begun on the former Bristol North Pool site on Gloucester Road following legal exchange of contracts. The building project involves the conversion of the former Bristol North Pool into a community Health Centre, pharmacy and hydrotherapy suite together with new housing and a new Bishopston Library. In addition the project involves the building of up to 40 new apartments on the current Cheltenham Road Library site.

The city council’s Cabinet in September last year agreed to fund the development phase of the North Bristol project in full via prudential borrowing, working in a financial joint-venture with developers Chatsworth Homes.

Cllr Guy Poultney, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: "This has been a very complex project with a number of different partners, but it is excellent news that building work is now starting on this exciting development. The benefits for North Bristol will be huge - a new library in a fantastic location, continued community use of the former pool building and new homes. I'd like to thank everyone in the local community for their patience.

"At a time when other councils across the country are cutting back their library services, we are investing in our libraries with this new Bishopston library."

Kevin Batt, Managing Director of Chatsworth Homes (Bristol) Ltd said: "It's been a long and hard five years since Chatsworth Homes first became involved as the Preferred Developer. The initial Planning Challenge, the immense changes in the NHS and the worst economic climate for a very long time have all contributed to the delay in getting the project "off the ground", and I am finally extremely happy to be able to commence works on what will undoubtedly become a new Community Hub for the people of Bishopston and the Gloucester Road. To see the Bristol North Baths finally brought back into use is absolutely fantastic."