Delays to new Bristol 'liveable neighbourhood' after Barton House evacuation

Bristol City Council has delayed progress on a new trial traffic-restriction scheme in east Bristol due to the evacuation of Barton House.

The council was planning to run a statutory Traffic Regulation Order consultation on the East Bristol Liveable Neighourhood pilot before Christmas.

But it says has now pushed back consultation on the project in Barton Hill, Redfield and St George until it has 'more clarity for a long-term decision on Barton House'.

Around 400 residents were told to evacuate Barton House over concerns about the structure of the building on November 14, with no certainty when or if they will be able to return.

The council is awaiting the results of an in-depth building survey so it can make a long-term decision about the future of Barton House and how this might impact the people who live there.

The East Bristol Liveable Neighourhood would see motor traffic banned from driving through many parts of Barton Hill, Redfield and St George in a bid to make residential streets safer.

The council says Barton House is a 'key area' within the Liveable Neighbourhood's proposed boundary, with residents impacted by trial measures on nearby streets, including two bus gates on Avondale Road and Marsh Lane.

Providing an update on the scheme, Don Alexander, cabinet member for transport, wrote on the mayor's blog: "It was originally our plan to run a statutory Traffic Regulation Order consultation before Christmas, as part of the co-design approach, to get further feedback on the proposals.

"However, while we – along with community groups, agencies, and volunteers in the area – continue to work to support Barton House residents through this difficult and unsettling time, we have pushed back consultation on the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood project until we have more clarity for a long-term decision on Barton House.

"We appreciate that this will be disappointing to many of the residents and organisations who have suggested changes and improvements to the area, but we know that they will be understanding given these unique circumstances."

Alexander added that the council will continue to work with residents across east Bristol to finalise where to install around 10 new cycle hangars, with more details to follow in the new year.

In the blog post, he also gave an update about the council's initial work the South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood trial in Southvile, Windmill Hill and Bedminster.

"At the moment, we are in the evidence gathering phase and are collecting traffic, air quality and noise data, as well as analysing the ward profiles," he wrote.

"This information will help us form initial proposals for wider discussion through plenty of local engagement, before local councillors make final decisions on the scope of the scheme.

"While our administration would not support the inclusion of Ashton Gate Stadium in the scheme area, we of course want to engage with the stadium and fans of its sports clubs to ensure the continued development of this world-class venue for entertainment and sport. This includes the new home that’s due to be built for the Bristol Flyers basketball team.

"Early in 2024 we will begin our programme of engagement with key stakeholders, including local community leaders and organisations, to find out what issues and challenges their communities face," he wrote.

"We will use this information, along with our local data, to co-develop early proposals to further collaborate and consult on."