The new Brooklands Park Community Centre in Stoke Gifford has been officially opened at a special launch event, providing a much‑needed community space for residents alongside the hundreds of new homes being delivered in the area.
Funded through Section 106 developer contributions and South Gloucestershire Council’s climate and nature budget, the building features a welcoming lobby, café with servery, fully equipped kitchen, office space, meeting rooms, toilet facilities and a modern community hall.
Visitors attending the opening event enjoyed tea and cake in the new Brooklands Park Café and were able to explore the community rooms now available for hire.
Work started on the community centre in November 2024 and South Gloucestershire Council worked closely with the contractor to ensure the building achieved the highest possible energy efficiency. On sunny days, the design means very little power will need to be drawn from the grid.
Green elements include solar panels with battery storage, a next‑generation air source heat pump, and high‑performance windows and doors. These sustainable features were developed to meet the top‑tier Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method criteria, and the project is currently on track to secure a ‘Very Good’ rating.
Artwork capturing some of the history and wildlife of the surrounding area, including pieces of art that were created by residents, have also been installed throughout the new building.
Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, Councillor Maggie Tyrrell, officially handed over the keys to Dave Addison, chairman of Stoke Gifford Parish Council, as the parish council will manage the facility going forward.
She said: “We are delighted the new community centre is now open for the public to enjoy. Community hubs like this are essential in helping new neighbourhoods flourish, and we’re really pleased to see it open its doors.
“This building will make a real difference to residents in and around Brooklands Park. Having a modern, flexible space means more opportunities for local groups, families and volunteers to come together.
“We worked closely with delivery partners to create the greenest, most energy-efficient and financially viable building possible, which will help minimise emissions and keep energy bills low.”
Dave Addison, chairman of Stoke Gifford Parish Council, said: “The Parish Council is delighted to be running the new community centre. It expands the facilities we are able to offer to the residents of the Parish and provides a much needed café and meeting place for the residents of Brooklands Park.”