Once opened in nineteen seventy-three, this beloved running track has fallen silent since its decommissioning in twenty-ten. Now, it’s earmarked for up to one hundred and twenty-five new homes, as part of the Hengrove Park development.
00:00Thousands of South Bristol residents are urging the council to pause housing plans and save the Whitchurch Athletics track.
00:10Once opened in 1973, this beloved running track has fallen silent since its decommissioning in 2010.
00:18Now, it's earmarked for up to 125 new homes as part of the Hengrove Park development.
00:26But there's a powerful backlash. More than 6,500 people have signed a petition demanding the track to be regenerated, not bulldozed.
00:38With nearly 4,000 of those signatories living in Bristol, the petition has triggered a full council debate this July.
00:46They say it's more than nostalgia, with some stressing the sport keeps young people off of the streets, keeps the elderly fit and other supporters have agreed.
00:58Others have stated that the athletics careers have started there, pointing out the track's vital role in nurturing young talent.
01:06Campaigners highlight that South Bristol faces high levels of obesity and deprivation, making such open-air sports facilities more than recreational.
01:17They're essential to public health.
01:19But the council stands firm, defending the housing development as necessary, with the relocation of cycling facilities to Lawrence Western around 10 miles away.
01:31A move critics say is inconvenient and ill-timed.
01:34Beyond housing, local runners and clubs, including Bristol Family Cycling Centre and Southville Running Club, say that they'll now need to travel for basic facilities.
