#Update 27 Site gets official legal protection

The St. Christopher’s School site has been awarded ‘Asset of Community Value’ status by Bristol City Council.

The title means the site has official legal protection and recognises the contribution the school made to the SEND community in Bristol and also recognises that the site could be a key part of any SEND provision in the future. It also means the land cannot be sold without the community being given a chance to bid for it.

The campaign was run by the SEND Alliance for St Christopher’s - a mix of SEND charity representatives, community leaders, local businesses and individuals from across Bristol - including local legend, Peter Lord from Aardman Animations as well as SCAN.

The group has been fighting for more than two years to achieve this special status. The bid was challenged by the owners of the site who claimed the school did not serve the community. But Bristol City Council has now rubber stamped the ACV status which lasts for five years. ACV status means that we now have a real chance to ensure this wonderful site returns to being a community asset so it can serve SEND families again. 

There are currently no plans for the site, which is owned by a London-based investment firm, FORE. Those who’ve followed this campaign will know that an attempt to turn this community asset into luxury retirement flats was refused unanimously by councillors in August 2023.

What is an Asset of Community Value (ACV)?

ACVs are land or buildings that have brought social well being to communities and could do so again in the future.

Other ACVs in Bristol include Bristol Zoo Gardens, Redfield Cinema, the Ashton Gate Stadium, and the Jacob Wells Road Baths as well as medical centres, pubs and religious buildings.

Nationally, there are around 150 educational establishments that have been granted ACV status - some of them schools. This is the first time Bristol has recognised a school to be an ACV.

Once listed with the Local Authority, the status lasts for five years and gives community groups time to try to buy the asset in the event of any resale. The owner could, however, choose to sell the land to another buyer. ACV status must also be taken into account by the local planning authority when it considers any future planning applications for the site.