Dingy city centre underpass set to be made safer

An improvement plan to redevelop a city centre underpass will make it a ‘safer, more enjoyable route for pedestrians and cyclists’.

Redcliffe and Temple Business Improvement District (BID) has successfully secured £300,000 of funding to help deliver plans for the improvement and redevelopment of the notorious Temple Way underpass, which connects Old Market and Narrow Plain.

The work will see improvements to the lighting and drainage, and adding artwork to the underpass itself, reflecting and representing the history of the local area and its historic church, Central (St Phillip and St Jacob), previously known as Pip n Jay.

It is envisaged that this work will complement the longer-term ambition to add a pedestrian and cycle crossing over Temple Way near Avon Street.

The BID will now work with the Old Market Community Association and other local stakeholders to support the city council in making the changes needed to improve safety, and the perception of safety, in the area.

The funding has been awarded from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), a government scheme which aims to support local authorities and community groups in the delivery of infrastructure projects that enhance and develop specific areas within their catchment.

Redcliffe & Temple BID Project Manager, Tom Swithinbank, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that this funding has been allocated to our project. We acknowledged that this would be a key location for improvement as part of our Green Infrastructure Action Plan published in April 2022, and updated in February 2023, which sets out the BID’s plans for improving green infrastructure across the district, including greenery, seating, pedestrian and cycling access, so it great to see progression with this project.

“It has been fantastic to work with the Old Market Community Association, local developers and businesses to successfully tender for CIL funding. We look forward to advancing our ideas over the coming years.”

Chair of Old Market Community Association, Paul Bradburn, said: “It is excellent news that the CIL funding has been allocated to this project. The area is changing very quickly, and the underpass is still a major route in and out of the city. We believe that this funding will really help to improve the underpass for all that use it.”

Steven Devine, General Manager of Leonardo Hotel Bristol City, located on Temple Way, added:“This is great news, and we can’t wait to see how the plans take shape over the coming months. We have had a lot of guest and team feedback about how much more pleasant this underpass could be when travelling across the city, and I am sure it will be appreciated by visitors, residents, and workers in this rapidly expanding area of Bristol.”