The role of the ‘high street’ has been changing for many years. This has been influenced by several factors, including the growth of on-line retail and the COVID-19 pandemic. Government recognised that there was a need for a national programme to drive the regeneration of high streets and as part of this, Bristol City Council secured support from The High Street Task Force to focus on Bedminster.
The Task Force facilitated a number of workshops in February 2023 to ‘take stock’ of the current situation and to think about the best way forwards. The consultation took a broad perspective on Bedminster and the communities that it represents. Through this, it was noted that North Street has developed successfully over the last 10 to 15 years. This progress should not be taken for granted and needs care and energy to sustain it.
The pressing need, however, relates to East Street and the surrounding area.
There are many, long-standing issues of concern, associated with the wellbeing of those that the area serves. The Bedminster Green and Whitehouse Street regeneration projects will significantly impact on the area. But, unless there is strong leadership and decisive action, it is likely that existing concerns will be further increased. It is clear that the area needs urgent action!
What did the Report find?
The Report addresses issues associated with the importance of having an organisation that will provide appropriate civic leadership, as well as setting the wider context of the area. These recommendations include:
The creation of a new organisation to advocate on behalf of the local community and bring together businesses, community groups, institutions, charities, statutory bodies and elected members, perhaps following the emerging model of a ‘Community Improvement District’. The report recommends this be done in a manner which supports existing organisations to thrive as the area grows, especially those focussed on arts and culture, a mainstay of the Bedminster identity. It is recommended that this new organisation would be tasked with creating a ‘Plan for Bedminster’ as a roadmap for different groups to follow.
An emphasis on community ownership, encouraging more community groups and independent businesses to have a stake in Bedminster’s high streets through community ownership, cooperatives or longer and more secure leases.
Protecting and improving the green spaces adjacent to Bedminster’s high streets and connecting them through well-established walking, cycling and public transport connections.
The report goes on to focus on East Street with a number of recommendations focussed on this area:
A new Community Hub and associated Space on East Street, supported by Bristol City Council and other key local partners.
Diversifying the mix of businesses on East Street and connecting streets, bringing new groups to the high streets and activating them into the evening to increase feelings of safety and enjoyment through having more ‘eyes on the street’. For the same reasons, the report recommends exploring how to get more people living and working over high street shops.
Carefully considering how buses use East Street and how to ensure that the shops stay accessible for the many people who access them by public transport whilst also recognising that as one of Britain’s oldest high streets.
Developing the thresholds of East Street to optimise the value of the area as a public space rather than a through road, including the development of Bedminster Bridge to unlock public space on Bedminster Parade.
What next?
We are running two community workshops, facilitated by The High Street Task Force and Bristol City Council as part of Action Greater Bedminster’s ‘BS3 Beyond 2025’ symposium. These will provide an opportunity to share thoughts about the Report and to consider the best way forwards.
All are welcome. Please come along to one of the two workshops, on Tuesday 6 June 2023, at Windmill Hill City Farm from 11am to 1pm or 6 to 8pm.
Workshop 1 – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/630026254487
Workshop 2 – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/635360940677