These proposed Bristol road changes will have a catastrophic impact on our businesses

Soniya Zellinger, who owns Piercings 4 U on Filwood Broadway in Knowle West, says the proposed redesign of the 1930s street would be “catastrophic”.

Bristol City Council has recently published a traffic regulation order for Filwood Broadway as part of plans to develop the public realm, including a new cycle lane and fewer parking spaces.

Soniya’s petition already has more than 100 signatures since being started on Monday (March 24).

She wrote in the Filwood Residents Association Facebook group: “As a trader on Filwood Broadway, myself and a lot of the shops have huge issues with the new proposed road changes, cycle path and restricted parking, which will have a catastrophic impact on our businesses.

“My fears with a cycle path being put in on the Broadway are that it will be a complete death trap. Do they not think the youths will use this on their bikes, scooters etc as a rat run?

“Local neighbours need to be also aware of the problems coming with limited parking on the Broadway, as customers will then have to find alternative places to park. Us as traders will have nowhere to park.

“Us traders have supported the Broadway for years as a rundown area and have made it thrive, now we don't get a say with our businesses being affected, all because new homes are going to be built.

“Us traders need help to leave the road layout as it is.”

The petition has also been by The Sandwich Stop, the cafe on Filwood Broadway, who wrote: “These new road restrictions will have a massive impact on our businesses as well as residents parking outside their homes.”

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The proposed road redesign is part of the council’s £30m regeneration efforts for Filwood Broadway, which also includes new housing on a former cinema site, rebuilding of a shopping parade and redevelopment of the community centre.

The redesign is expected to be completed by spring 2026.

It is being funded by £2,156,918 in Government Levelling Up funding and £1,490,000 in council funding.

Bristol City Council has been contacted for comment.