The multi-million re-development of Symes Avenue in south Bristol is finished, marking the latest milestone in the ongoing regeneration of south Bristol.

A Morrisons superstore and a purpose-built community building containing a library will open for business on November 12 in a move that will benefit thousands of residents in Hartcliffe, Withywood and neighbouring areas.

The re-development will create 350 new jobs on the site of the former shopping centre. The Symes Avenue shopping centre was built in the 1950s, but in recent years its appearance and the quality of the retail outlets deteriorated significantly, forcing local residents to travel further afield to shop.

The opening of the community building and superstore mark the completion of the major project which is a partnership between Bristol City Council, the Hartcliffe and Withywood Community Partnership (HWCP), the South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA) and Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc.

-- Advertisement --

The community building, as well as accommodating a new library, will provide meeting areas for visiting community advice services, a crèche, meeting and function rooms for hire and space to train local people in office and IT skills.

Other benefits of the scheme include a new children’s play area; better car parking; landscape improvements; public art and a petrol station. Investment from the project will also support new community transport provision the Community Action on Transport and Training (CATT) bus; new community-run youth projects in the area, as well as new training schemes for local residents.

The leader of Bristol City Council, Councillor Helen Holland, said: "This is a landmark day for people in the Hartcliffe area and a real milestone in the ongoing regeneration of south Bristol which is going from strength to strength.

"Bristol City Council with its partners have put in place a programme of re-development which is attracting new business to the area and creating jobs, while other major projects, such as new schools and the planned Hengrove Park scheme, will also deliver health, leisure, education and training facilities and employment opportunities for South Bristol."

(JM)