ABout Lsc
A not-for-profit, community-focused sports complex for local and regional participation
We are proud to support the local community through community sports, events and services in Bristol.
Building a Community Sports Hub: Our Story from 1948 to 2019
A brief history
Following the Second World War, there was a significant shortage of sports pitches across North Bristol and the wider Bristol area. In response, in 1948 the Bristol & District Rugby Football Combination (B&DRFC) purchased 16 acres of land in South Gloucestershire, located on the boundary with Bristol City Council, to serve rugby clubs from Bristol and the surrounding districts.
To protect this important community sports asset, a Charitable Trust (No. 301694) was established with the objective of promoting “physical training and recreation” for the public benefit—supporting grassroots sport and physical activity in Lockleaze and North Bristol.
Access to the B&DRFC pitches was via Bonnington Walk, through adjacent Bristol City Council sports pitches. This site had been home to Bishopston RFC since 1966, and the club later constructed a clubhouse on B&DRFC-owned land. Together, these facilities formed a well-known sporting location for rugby and community activity in North Bristol.
By the early 2000s, participation in adult rugby across Bristol had declined, resulting in underutilised pitches. At the same time, the changing room facilities on both the B&DRFC and Bristol City Council land were in urgent need of modernisation. With limited funding available, neither organisation was able to invest, and the original charitable objectives were no longer being fully achieved for the local community.
In response, a new working group was formed in 2010 to explore sustainable redevelopment and wider community use of the site. This initiative evolved into the Lockleaze Sports Centre Trust, establishing the site as a modern community sports hub in Lockleaze, Bristol. Today, the Trust plays a key role in delivering inclusive sport, health, and wellbeing opportunities for residents of North Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and the wider Bristol region.
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
This journey has shaped the thriving community sports centre we see today!
