News / southmead
Southmead celebrates after community hubs spared from public auction
Many in Southmead let out a sigh of relief when much-loved community hubs were spared from public auction.
The Southmead Youth Centre, the former Southmead Library buildings and the adjacent memorial garden on Greystoke Avenue were earmarked to be auctioned in October.
The decision was reached in September 2023 after a cabinet decision by the Bristol City Council.
is needed now More than ever
With the danger of a takeover by a developer or private investor looming large, Luke Chamberlain, a local martial arts instructor, started a petition to force the council to reconsider its original decision.
The Youth Centre was one of several properties that were earmarked by the City Council – photo: Milan Perera
There was an outpouring of support and solidarity and the petition amassed 967 signatures.
On Wednesday August 14, Chamberlain received an offer from Bristol City Council to purchase the Youth Centre, the Library buildings and memorial garden.
Chamberlain, who co-owns a Roger Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy, accepted and will soon complete the purchase.
Speaking to Bristol24/7, Chamberlain said: “It’s a huge relief to get this result from the Council and to be given the opportunity to purchase.
“Most importantly, I’m very proud of the local community, whether it be our members or the wider community of BS10.
“Now, our plan is to improve our service, improve the facilities and help even more people in need in the local area.”
The memorial garden was under threat of being relocated – photo: Milan Perera
Per the Council’s previous plans, the memorial garden was to be relocated which triggered anger from the local community.
The memorial garden was built to celebrate the lives of three young people who tragically died in 2005.
Congratulations to the Chamberlain brothers and all involved in stopping the auction sale and bringing a positive outcome (see petition update below).
Southmead Youth Centre is saved for the community !!!???? https://t.co/zqYGyfHhKP pic.twitter.com/hvodkw1GBd
— Cllr Kaz Self (@SelfKaz) August 15, 2024
Kye Dudd, Labour councillor for Southmead, said: “This is a real win for Southmead.
“We’re delighted that the council listened to the strength of feeling among residents, and u-turned on their plan to sell the site to the highest bidder.
“The Jiu Jitsu Club is clearly a much-loved community asset, which was shown by the number of people signing the petition.
“Equally, we’re pleased that the memorial garden can remain in place and won’t have to be relocated. Our thanks go to the local campaigners for their work on this”
Main photo: Milan Perera
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