Green light for Bristol’s long-awaited sporting quarter

After years of delays and legal battles, Bristol’s Ashton Gate Sporting Quarter is finally set to begin construction in 2025.

The development, led by Bristol Sport, will include a 5,000-seat basketball arena for the Bristol Flyers, a new hotel, and other amenities.

The project faced significant setbacks due to a legal dispute. ETM Recycling, a nearby waste company, filed a judicial review in 2023, arguing that noise from its facility could impact the planned 510-home Longmoor Village linked to the development. 

The High Court dismissed ETM’s case, ruling they missed the deadline for challenging the planning approval.

With no further appeals allowed, Bristol Sport has confirmed that work will now go ahead. 

The arena will be built next to Ashton Gate Stadium, home to Bristol City Football Club and the Bristol Bears rugby team. 

This new facility will give the Flyers a substantial upgrade from their current venue, SGS College, which holds just 750 fans. 

Picture credit: Bristol Sport