People living in Bristol are being given a chance to have their say on a big regeneration scheme in the south of the city. The plan is to boost health, leisure, training and employment opportunities and consultation leaflets are being sent to more than 62,000 homes. There will also be a series of exhibitions about the scheme next week.

The proposals for the first stage of developments at Hengrove Park would deliver a 45 million pound South Bristol Community Hospital, a 21 million pound sports and swimming centre, a 30 million pound Skills Academy and a new 19,000 square metre European headquarters for Computershare, the world’s only global share registry.

Bristol City Council recently agreed to put up to two million pounds of its own capital resources into kick-starting work to open up the site, subject to planning permission. Under the plan the new hospital and ‘healthplex’ leisure centre would be linked via a new public open space. The headquarters for Computershare, would enable one of the area’s largest employers to stay in South Bristol.

Planning applications for the hospital and Skills Academy are expected to be submitted this autumn and the application for the Computershare headquarters could be submitted next Spring, followed by the application for the leisure complex. Further phases of redevelopment are expected to include new homes to meet government targets and to tackle local housing shortages.

Helen Holland, the Leader of Bristol City Council, said, “At long last, regeneration at Hengrove Park – potentially the jewel in the crown for South Bristol – is being brought forward by the council and its partners. The views of residents and businesses are crucial to the success of these projects and I hope that people will take this opportunity to contribute to shaping these proposals over the next few months.”