Bid to save athletics track in South Bristol from development gets more than 2,000 signatures

A petition to save a Bristol athletics track has received more than 2,000 signatures in a bid to prevent housing being built on the site. The Whitchurch Athletics Track was opened in 1973 and was once a training hub for up-and-coming athletes in Bristol.

The track, which was used by the likes of Jason Gardener, an Olympic gold medalist in the 4x100m relay for Great Britain in 2004, is set to become part of a housing development for 1,435 new homes, with half of the homes becoming affordable housing. A new public park and community facilities would be created over the decade-long plan.

The athletics track is still in use by Southville Running Club, which uses the track from April to September, and is also home to the Bristol Cycling Centre, but despite this, the track is set to disappear once housing developments begin. The petition was started by John Pearce to save the historic athletics track back in May, and since then notable sporting figures have shown support.

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John Pearce, who launched the petition, said: “In 1973, Whitchurch Athletics Track opened, and for many years, countless up-and-coming athletes from South Bristol and the wider area trained and achieved great success through the facilities it offered. Today, it stands empty of athletes, empty of competition and offering no opportunity to the local athletes of the future.

“We want to change this and not only see the track fully restored but also used to benefit the community and wider area for present and future generations. Regenerating Whitchurch Athletics Track will provide a much-needed space for physical activity, fostering talent in young athletes while promoting health and well-being in our community.”

Posting on June 8, John added: “It has been absolutely staggering to see the level of support we've had for this petition. I always believed that there were those who had the desire to see the track regenerated but after just over three weeks and over 1,600 signatures now on the petition the momentum just keeps building. We have a big vision and it is humbling to see how many of you want to see this site revived for the city and region.”

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Athletes, past and present, including Bristol Bears and England rugby star Ellis Genge, double Olympian Nick Rose (who competed in 1980 and 1984 in the 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres respectively) and 10,000 metre Olympian Kate Reed.

Jason Gardener said on Facebook : “Whitchurch Athletics Track holds a special place in my heart as it was the first synthetic track I competed on during the Avon League Competition, representing City of Bath Athletics Club at the age of 12. The experience of running on a professional track, just like the ones on TV, was incredible.

“Competing alongside Bristol athletes, some of whom had represented Great Britain and Northern Ireland, inspired me to strive for similar achievements. Losing this eight-lane track would be a great loss for the city.

“This track not only provides a platform for athletes to excel but also promotes active lifestyles and keeps communities connected in a positive way. I urge the council to reconsider its closure and preserve this asset for future generations to benefit from.”

Nick Rose added: “Born in Fortfield Road, I grew up running around the disused runway [at the former Whitchurch Airport] When the track was built in 1973, Bristol was put on the athletics map.

“I would run to the track to train and felt that this facility helped to put me on the path to the Olympics, I was fortunate. Physical activity is so important in promoting a healthy lifestyle. South Bristol is sadly lacking in many facilities, the regeneration of the track would put life back into it once again and hopefully help develop future Olympians.”

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