Development of £200m Ashton Gate Sporting Quarter Project Set to Begin
In an exciting turn of events, the £200m Ashton Gate Sporting Quarter project is finally set to kick off after a legal challenge that had put a halt to the development was dismissed by a High Court judge. The ambitious project aims to transform an area of South Bristol into the city’s largest indoor sporting and cultural venue, with plans for a 5,000-capacity sports arena and conference center, a hotel, flats, offices, and a multi-storey car park.
Legal Hurdles Cleared for Ashton Gate Sporting Quarter Project
The legal challenge, mounted by waste firm ETM, sought to stop Bristol City Council from awarding planning permission for 510 new homes in the vicinity of the Ashton Gate Stadium. However, the challenge was dismissed by Justice Lavender in the High Court, who ruled that ETM’s lawyers had not submitted the necessary legal papers in time. This ruling paves the way for Ashton Gate owner Steve Lansdown to proceed with the transformative project on two sites near the stadium.
The city council had granted planning permission to two applications by Mr. Lansdown’s firm Esteban a year ago. The first application was for the construction of 510 new homes in a development known as Longmoor Village, located between the Long Ashton park and ride and Ashton Vale. The revenue generated from the housing project is intended to support the second phase of the project, which includes the construction of the sports arena and conference center, as well as other amenities.
Implications of the Legal Dispute on the Ashton Gate Sporting Quarter
The legal challenge by ETM had put both projects on hold for a year, causing delays in the commencement of the Ashton Gate Sporting Quarter. ETM had raised concerns about potential noise complaints from residents of the new homes near their waste treatment center, which could impact the viability of their business. However, the council refuted these claims, citing that noise tests had been conducted and the distance between the homes and the waste treatment center was sufficient to mitigate any noise-related issues.
Despite the council’s defense of its position, the legal challenge led to a temporary halt in the development process. ETM’s failure to submit all the required paperwork within the designated deadline further complicated the legal proceedings, ultimately resulting in the dismissal of their case by Justice Lavender.
Future Prospects for the Ashton Gate Sporting Quarter
With the legal obstacles now cleared, plans for the Ashton Gate Sporting Quarter can move forward. The forthcoming demolition of buildings in the area, including the former Wickes DIY store, signifies the beginning of the development process. The multi-storey car park and the sports arena and conference center will soon take shape, providing a new home for the Bristol Flyers basketball club and bringing together various sports teams under the Bristol Sport umbrella.
Overall, the Ashton Gate Sporting Quarter project represents a significant investment in the city’s sporting and cultural infrastructure, promising to enhance the local community and attract visitors from far and wide. The successful resolution of the legal challenges marks a pivotal moment in the realization of this transformative initiative, signaling the start of a new chapter for South Bristol and the Ashton Gate Stadium.