News from Lockleaze councillor Gill Kirk - November 2019
The last couple of months have been busy and exciting times in Lockleaze.
On 12th November I was delighted to attend the ceremonial ‘ground breaking event’ to mark the start of construction of a new £25m secondary school building for Trinity Academy (which welcomed its first cohort this September in temporary accommodation at Stoke Park Primary) This partnership between Bristol City Council and Cathedral Schools Trust brings a huge investment to Lockleaze that will help keep pace with the need for new school places, as new housing comes to the area. It will also benefit the local community who will be able to use the school buildings, including arts and performance space.
Speaking of new housing, residents have recently had an opportunity to respond to a public consultation on proposals for 350 new homes for Lockleaze, at Branwhite Close, Bonnington Walk, the former Brunel Ford site on Muller Rd and the former Lockleaze day centre. These are in addition to the plans already progressing for Constable/Crome Rd and Romney House, and work starting at Morris Rd/ Shaldon Rd.
After a long period of putting up with empty sites and a housing shortage, Lockleaze residents will now see a lot more activity taking place in getting these new homes underway. To ensure local people are kept fully involved, the Lockleaze Residents Planning Group and councillors have been meeting regularly, submitting any local concerns about the new housing to the council, and pressing for homes that will meet local needs...ie affordable, sustainable, taking into account concerns such as parking, congestion, local lettings, respect for open spaces and access to GPs and school places. A growing population will need amenities too so it is vital that Gainsborough Square becomes a thriving centre with social spaces, businesses and a library. On October 26th the Lockleaze Housing Festival was a brilliant showcase for the new designs for local housing sites, and some of the housing innovations being explored in our area. Some smaller sites in Lockleaze are intended for community-led housing, which will allow residents to get involved in shaping the developments whilst the income generated will be invested back into the community. Ecomotive at the Wordsworth centre have been developing their workshop space to train people in the construction and self finish skills that will enable them to be involved in creating their own affordable homes.For more information about the Lockleaze Residents Planning Group please call in at the Hub or email maria@lockleazent.co.uk
To finish, we heard good news that the Old Library on Muller Rd has been granted planning permission to proceed with their new extension, and garden improvements, which will include new disabled toilets, extra storage and office space, external paths and a covered outdoor area. Congratulations to the team who have worked so hard on these plans!
Councillors hold their regular advice surgeries on the first Saturday of the month 12.30-2pm at the Hub, Gainsborough Square.