Regeneration of an area of Bedminster takes another step forward
The project to regenerate the area around Whitehouse Street in Bedminster has ta another step forward. Following a period of extensive public engagement, work is now beginning to create a regeneration framework that will guide change in the area over the next 5-10 years. The council will use feedback from the community and local businesses as part of the mix of considerations that will influence the regeneration framework as it is developed before it is formally consulted on later in 2021. In February, Bristol City Council, in partnership with local landowners the Galliard Apsley Partnership and The Hill Group, announced that they will be working together to develop the regeneration framework. By coming together and working collaboratively to create the framework for the whole area, the landowners hope to bring plans forward in a joined-up way to enable a coherent design that avoids piecemeal development. The long-term ambition is to create a thriving mixed-use, liveable neighbourhood with high-quality new homes to accommodate Bristol’s growing population, while providing inclusive economic growth and community development as the city emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic. 12
The brownfield site, which currently hosts commercial and light-industrial uses, as well as vacant plots of land, is ideally located near key public transport and walking and cycling routes into the city centre, making it a sustainable location for much-needed new homes, jobs and community facilities. Through the framework the council also hopes to strengthen the important economic and social function of Bedminster’s historic high street, East Street. The project will explore ways to improve culture and the evening economy in the area and will be underpinned by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as set out in Bristol’s One City Plan. To ensure local people have more of a voice in the regeneration of the area from the outset, the council commissioned Action Greater Bedminster (AGB), a group that works to improve Bedminster and Southville, to undertake an extensive programme of engagement. This included community meetings, an online survey and interactive map, and face-to-face meetings with residents. AGB worked alongside Bristol City Council’s Community Development team, as well as Windmill Hill City Farm, The Sanctuary and Fun 4 Families to reach out across the neighbourhood and gather as many views as possible.
