Bristol City Council’s proposals to regenerate the city’s Hengrove Park by constructing a multi-sports facility on the site have been bolstered by a £30m grant from the government’s Private Finance Initiative (PFI).

The proposals for the South Bristol Healthplex passed the Stage I assessment earlier this month and the council now needs to finalise the plans to receive the funding.

Plans for the Hengrove Park site include a multi-purpose pool complex with an Olympic-sized 50m pool, a leisure pool and a learner pool; eight-court sports hall; a 100-station health and fitness facility; four squash courts; a three-lane indoor bowls rink and two multi-use games units.

Ian Thompson, head of operations for the South West of England Regional Development Agency, said: “South Bristol has sadly been an area of decline in recent years, but this marks a major step towards its regeneration.” Details: www.bristol-city.gov.uk