Bristol-based construction firm Beard has completed new premises for The Park Centre in Knowle to house community groups
The Park Centre in Knowle included construction of two new buildings that will house community groups. Beard’s charitable foundation will provide a £10,000 donation for new furniture in the new buildings.
The project to transform the Park Centre in Knowle began in November 2020. It has meant that the Park Centre has had to move from its previous site just metres away at the former Merrywood School on Daventry Road. This old building will be demolished to make way for a new 900-place secondary school.
Closed in 2000, the old Merrywood School building was turned into The Park Centre community hub. This space was used by a variety of local businesses and groups, including a nursery, gym, an animal welfare group and a disability charity.
The former Park Centre was also used as the location for a number television productions, including the Channel 4 comedy-drama series, Teachers.
‘From football teams to tattoo artists, there are so many people who call the centre home’
Matthew Cooper, director at Beard Bristol, said:
“The Park is a central part of the local community. From football teams to tattoo artists, there are so many people who call the centre home. It was crucial for us to deliver a space that meets their aspirations.
“We are proud to have achieved this, and to have received very positive feedback from the community about the new buildings and facilities.”
Local people are at the heart of The Park in Knowle
Emma Hinton from the Park Centre in Knowle commented:
“Local people are at the heart of The Park and the new facilities will accommodate a wide range of ages and interests. The buildings themselves are fantastic and Beard has done an exceptional job creating space for a range of local community groups.
“The work that Beard has done will be a huge benefit to the local community. The new facilities are ideal and will provide much need spaces for local groups.”
