Athletics track homes could be started in weeks

Campaigners say time is running out to save an athletics track and cycle club after housing plans for the area were fast-tracked.

The Bristol Family Cycling Centre sits in the middle of the old Whitchurch Athletic Track, where 1,400 home Hengrove Park development is planned.

Work on the housing was not expected to start for some yearsbut a revision of the plans means the building phase could be moved forward and access to the site may be given to developers in a matter of weeks.

Bristol City Council said it was aware of concerns raised by residents who fear the move could deprive the area of access to sporting facilities.

"People who are in the area feel that these facilities need to be preserved and not taken away," said local campaigner John Pearce.

"This is the only full eight-lane circuit track in Bristol.

"Bristol's being left behind really when it comes to athletics," he added.

The proposal to move the housing development forward was agreed in a private meeting with the council's strategy and resources committee and its chief executive.

The leader of the Labour group at Bristol City Council, Tom Renhard, criticised the council for a "lack of transparency," and said it "could have secured a local, alternative running track, or come to a compromise position".

Renhard said he understood the council "may want to crack on" but it needed to be transparent with their intentions.

Plans for the redevelopment of the site were originally approved by the administration of former Labour mayor Marvin Rees in 2020.

Bristol City Council said it understands "the concerns of residents over this decision and have since funded a new track in Whitehall".

It also said it remains "open to discussions with local residents" about how it can provide track facilities in south Bristol.

The council submitted plans for a regional cycling hub on the site of a former landfill near Lawrence Weston in 2025.

A petition to keep the track has gained 6,500 signatures and will be discussed at a full council meeting on 10 March.

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