Filton Town Council is proposing to borrow £800,000 to fund a series of community projects.
At a recent Finance and Scrutiny meeting, councillors agreed a budget ahead of the full council meeting on January 27.
The council outlines two flagship initiatives: a new multi-use skatepark and a wider regeneration project known as The Conygre Project.
The funds would be borrowed from the Public Works Loan Board (PWLB), a government- run lending facility that allows councils to borrow money over a long period with a low interest rate.
Under the proposal, Filton Town Council would repay the loan over a twenty-year period.
The borrowing comes after the council’s previous proposal to increase the precept by 2.99 percent for 2026-2027.
In this long-term budget, the council said the increase was needed to improve parks, youth facilities and the high street, while maintaining reserves above the minimum level to avoid larger tax rises in the future.
The Conygre Project
The Conygre Project brings together improvements across Blenheim Drive play area, Filton Hill School, the Conygre Triangle and surrounding community areas. The proposed budget for the project is £500,000 and the aim is to elevate the area to a higher standard.
A key area of development is the transfer of Blenheim play area from South Gloucestershire Council to Filton Town council.
Once transferred, the council proposes to fully refurbish and modernise the play area, shaped by local input.
At the time of printing, the Assets and Open Space committee planned to begin minor refurbishments, such as de-weeding, by the end of January. By summer, the council expects to have chosen the preferred bidder and scheduled the refurbishment works.
Alongside the play area, the council plans to build new fencing around Filton Hill Primary School, improving safety and enhancing its overall appearance.
They also plan to refurbish the bollards by the school. By February, the council hopes to have submitted a grant fund application for a scrap metal pod to be located at the school.
The development plan also calls for general high street improvements with the introduction of a new bin storage system on Gloucester Road North.
The installation is scheduled for April 2026 and is funded by South Gloucestershire Council and Filton Town Council.
The scheme should reduce overflow of bins and improve the high street’s cleanliness.
The council also plans to apply for a Creative High Street Grant to revamp the old phone box on Gloucester Road North.
Multi-use skatepark (MUSP)
As part of the budget, Filton Town Council is proposing £300,000 to upgrade Filton’s skatepark.
The upgrade of the youth facility will see a pump track and skatepark — which are currently separate — unified into one space.
Image: @where_zine/ Instagram
The proposal sees new jumps and riding features added to the park, making the facilities more engaging for regular users.
It will be designed to cater for all abilities, and suitable for skaters, BMX riders and scooter users.
Additional lighting is also planned, which will make the space safer and easier to use, especially where riders may use the facilities after school or during winter afternoons.
The council expects the skatepark consultation to commence in April 2026 and the tender to be published by the end of summer, followed by a contract selection.
The PWLB application will be submitted once a preferred bidder is selected, then the proposed £300,000 investment can proceed.
Both proposals were due to go to the full council meeting on January 27, where councillors will decide whether to approve the borrowing and proceed.