JWSport Jacek Waszak – Sport journalist
A major project to create a new 5,000-capacity arena in south Bristol was under threat at Ashton Gate here, but is sure to go ahead. Construction work on a new sports and convention centre, four-star hotel, flats, offices and a multi-storey car park in South Bristol will start as early as 2025.
There will also be a multi-storey car park on one part of the Wickes site at Wedlock Way opposite KFC, and a hotel, offices and a block of flats on other areas of the site between the stadium and Winterstoke Road and Marsh Road.
Ashton Gate Stadium bosses have confirmed that work will begin next year on the construction of a huge 5,000-seat arena for Bristol’s professional basketball team, which will also provide a large-scale entertainment venue and convention centre.
Bristol Flyers chief executive Lisa Knights has confirmed that construction of the Ashton Gate Sporting Quarter will go ahead after overcoming ‘extremely frustrating’ legal issues surrounding the construction of the stadium.
The first thing to happen will be the demolition of the closed Wickes DIY shop and other industrial buildings between Winterstoke Road and the stadium. The DIY shop was recently taken over for a controversial and illegal rave and the empty building will remain as such until next year as preparations are made to demolish it.
In its place will be a multi-purpose arena, which will be used by Bristol Flyers, and will host three sports under the Bristol Sport banner in one location. ‘It’s been a long time coming and the Flyers can’t wait for it to get underway,’ he said.
Sport and basketball in the UK has grown significantly , and it can only get better
