ABout LSC
A not-for-profit sports complex for the local community and beyond
We are proud to support the local community through community sports, events and services in Bristol.
The story of its Development ~ 1948 – 2019
A brief history
After the Second World War there was a dearth of sports pitches in the Bristol area and in 1948, the Bristol & District Rugby Football Combination (B&DRFC) purchased 16 acres of land in South Gloucestershire on the border with Bristol City Council (BCC) for the use of member Clubs. A Charitable Trust (301694) was formed with the Objective “..physical training & recreation…. ”.
Access to the B&DRFC pitches was from Bonnington Walk through the BCC Sports pitches where Bishopston RFC had played since 1966. They subsequently built a Clubhouse on B&DRFC land.
By the early 2000’s the number of Adult Rugby games was reducing and the pitches underutilised. The Changing Rooms on both the B&DRFC & BCC land were in urgent need of modernising & neither had funds to upgrade. The Objectives of the old Trust were not being met. Subsequently, in 2010, a new Working Group was formed to create new opportunities. This Working Group became The Lockleaze Sports Centre Trust, and has since become a prevalent location in Bristol for changing lives through sport.
The Users in the period 1950 – 2000’s were:
- Broad Plain RFC 1953 – 1993 – moved to Brislington;
- Old Cathedralians RFC 1953 – disbanded 1985
- Ashley Down Old Boys 1958 – 2017 moved to the LSC;
- Old Colstonians & Bristol Constabulary briefly in the 1950’s;
- Shaftesbury FC 2006 – moved to the LSC
- Other users were Fairfield School and many other Sports Clubs.
the development of lsc – start to finish.
2010 – a Working Group (B&DRFC, BCC, SGC, UWE & Alder King) was formed to look at options for the BCC & B&DRFC playing fields.
2013 – The Lockleaze Sports Centre Trust (8824435) was formed with objectives: “..to promote participation in sport and other physical activities ..”
2014 – a Contract with Redrow Homes for sale of half of Combination land was signed. This finance was the major source of funds for the new facility
2016 – Planning was approved & work on the Facility commenced under contracts from BCC, with the Jones Building Group responsible for the buildings and M.J.Church for the pitches & outworks. The University of the West of England (UWE), in need of sporting facilities joined the project; funding extra changing rooms and more car parking spaces.
2017 – the Rugby All-weather pitch was completed and opened by Mayor Marvin Rees
2018 – Practical Completion was achieved and facility handed over to Bristol City Council.
2019 – Bristol City Council handed over management to the Lockleaze Sports Centre Ltd and Facility became fully operational
WHich leaves us with the centre we have today!
