Chair of Bedminster BID hits back at claims East Street is a ‘ghost town’

The chair of Bedminster BID has hit back at claims East Street is turning into a ‘ghost town’ due to the rising number of empty shops.

The comments follow news that the Iceland store in St Catherine’s Place will close for good on February 25 - the latest business to leave the rundown shopping precinct where there are now 15 empty units.

Ongoing building works in the area around East Street and cuts to bus services have added to the pressure on businesses in Bedminster.

There are plans in place to redevelop St Catherine’s Place put forward by developer, Firmstone which was given the green light to build three apartment blocks in 2021. Along with the 180 homes set to be built, the centre’s retail section would be revamped.

Simon Dicken, Chair of Bedminster BID, says East Street is undergoing a complete transformation, with St Catherine’s Place as a ‘central part of the development’ of a new residential building on that site.

“We can’t comment on the decisions of a national retailer, but we’re always sorry to see stores close but equally excited to see new stores open.

“There have been a number of new openings on the street this year already and we’re seeing a growing number of vacant units already being taken up by interesting new traders from pottery classes to a skateboard shop and some great new eateries.”

Mr Dicken points out that many of the traditional businesses are still going strong in East Street including the Sunshine Cafe and George’s cafe, which has been open on the street for almost 40 years.

“It’s very difficult to lose one of our lynchpin shops for the short term but we’re confident that the transformation of these buildings will attract exciting new retailers in the coming months and years.

“The redevelopment needs to be executed correctly and in collaboration with the community, so the time it is taking will hopefully mean it will be worth the wait.”

As well as Bedminster BID chair, Mr Dicken is also manager of Wilko and he says as an East Street trader himself, he’s only too aware of the challenges traders are facing with the changes to the area and says the road closures have significantly impacted visitors to the street.

“As a BID we have created a subgroup of traders for East Street to continually implement as many support measures as possible.

“We recently funded and worked with EAT:Bedminster to bring it to East Sreet, a street market that saw tens of thousands of visitors on the street throughout the day.

“At the start of the road closures, we created a business directory which was circulated to all the contractors working in the area, encouraging them to support local traders.

“We lobbied for the council contractors to be given £50 allowance to spend in East Street and the feedback about the food has been excellent. We are asking developers to do the same.

“We realise the frustrations of the traders at the series of circumstances which are currently affecting all of our businesses but can assure them that we are working as hard as possible within our funding, while also working with Bristol City Council to implement some larger spends through a WECA grant.

“This will shortly include painting the bollards which feature all the way down the street and the implementation of planters to bring some more greenery to the streets.”