Broadwalk Shopping Centre in Knowle to be renamed under ‘exciting new vision’

Broadwalk Shopping Centre in Knowle will be renamed the Redcatch Quarter, under new plans to regenerate the declining centre.

Shops, entertainment and homes will feature in a newly-revamped centre being proposed, say the developers Redcatch Development Partnership.

While little detail has so far been given, the name suggests previous plans to create a link between the centre and Redcatch Park are still in the frame.

The centre features stores like Subway and Superdrug - but has suffered a significant fall in footfall in recent years with more retailers looking to leave.

The proposals will be unveiled at a public online consultation next week.

What do the developers say

The newly-named Redcatch Development Partnership says the the centre is no longer viable, and new plans to revamp it will maintain its role in the local community.

It hints at a mixed-use development with retail, entertainment and new homes, and describes it as ‘an exciting new vision’ for the centre.

In a statement published on its website, the partnership said: “The physical frailties of the existing buildings is leading to a centre which is no longer viable nor vibrant.

“Footfall and spending at the centre have declined significantly and several retailers have already left or are seeking to leave.

“The emerging proposals focus on a reimagining of the existing centre, whilst maintaining its role as the heart of the local community.”

It added: “The result will be a new, vibrant destination and mixed-use neighbourhood at the centre of Knowle.”

What was previously planned

In 2019, plans were approved to redevelop the shopping centre and add a residential block for 420 flats.

It also included a new plaza and a connection between the centre and Redcatch Park.

It is not yet clear how much of the existing plans will be incorporated in the new proposal - although the name suggests a link to the park.

Hundreds of people engaged in a consultation on the previous plans, with more people objecting.

Concerns were also raised about the number of affordable homes in the project, with 54 proposed.

However, the plans were approved by Bristol City Council in March 2019.

What happens now?

While the centre remains open as normal, exhibition banners providing information about the plans will be displayed in the coming weeks after the webinar.

The proposals will be unveiled at a public consultation on January 27, from 6pm to 7.30pm.

The event will give people a chance to view the plans, comment on them and ask a questions.

To attend, visit the developer’s website here.