Park revamp to 'transform' area

Work at the huge development is due to commence on Friday

Work is due to begin on the first phase of a multi-million pound regeneration scheme at Hengrove Park in Bristol.

The work includes a community hospital, a skills academy and a leisure centre as well as offices.

A city council spokesman said: "Phase One will secure more than £100m of investment in new public facilities, while retaining around 2,000 jobs."

The hospital is scheduled to open early 2010, the skills academy in autumn 2009 and the leisure centre in 2010.

Council leader Helen Holland said: "The start of work at Hengrove Park at long last marks the realisation of an ambitious project which will transform south Bristol, making a real difference to the lives of people living and working in the area."