Beard marks new community premises with donation

Bristol-based construction firm Beard has marked the completion of new premises for The Park Centre in Knowle with a donation to the community.

The project included construction of two new buildings that will be home to a number of community groups, and the donation from Beard’s charitable foundation will provide £10,000 for new furniture.

Commenting on the completion of the project, 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.”

The project, which began in November 2020, has meant the Park Centre has moved from its previous site just metres away at the former Merrywood School on Daventry Road, which will be demolished to make way for a new 900-place secondary school.

The old Merrywood School building was closed in 2000, and then turned into The Park Centre community hub, providing space for a variety of local businesses and groups, including a nursery, gym, an animal welfare group and a disability charity.

It was also used as the location for a number television productions, including the Channel 4 comedy-drama series, Teachers.

Emma Hinton from the Park Centre 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.”

This is the latest project Beard has completed in Bristol. Last year the firm completed work on Bristol City FC’s new training ground, and new student accommodation at the historic Gaumont cinema.

Published: 06 April 2022