Events, festivals, and pricier parking... How Bristol Harbour could change over the next 5 years

While parking fees are an important part of the harbour’s income, Green councillors criticised this reliance and said the number of parking spaces nearby should be cut. Half a century after the 80-acre harbour stopped operating as a commercial docks, much of the ageing infrastructure like the quay walls and lock gates are increasingly expensive to fix and maintain.

Although many flats were built around the area, this hasn’t translated into a long-term income. And rising sea levels means Bristol is at an increasing risk of severe flooding. Over the next five years Bristol City Council is hoping to balance the harbour’s books, by attracting more tourism, as well as events, festivals and pricier car parking.

Mooring fees for people staying on boats could also likely increase. A main driver of the changes is a lack of cash. This year the harbour is expected to spend £783,000 more than its income. The five-year strategy was approved by councillors on the economy and skills policy committee on Monday, November 3.

Major housing developments, such as Western Harbour, are also planned which could raise money for new flood defences. Cliff Brand, head of service of the Bristol Harbour Authority, said: “There is a lot of reliance on revenue from car parking. It’s an important part of revenue for the harbour at the moment.

“In time, other revenue streams need to be sought in order to eliminate the car parking.”

One part of the strategy is “increase revenue by charging for parking in certain areas”. However some car parks are earmarked for new housing developments. The car park next to the SS Great Britain, for example, is in the pipeline of housing development plans for Goram Homes, the council-owned developer. The council also has wider ambitions to get people driving less.

Green Councillor Toby Wells added: “I want to put on record my continued disappointment with the reliance on car parking revenue for the harbour’s financial sustainability. Sooner rather than later, we need to be looking at a strategy of reducing the amount of car parking in the harbour to only those spaces necessary for people with accessibility needs and for operational use.”

But opposition councillors warned that many people still need to drive, despite the hopes that more people will ditch their car and catch the bus or walk or cycle instead. These include disabled people who can’t walk long distances and families with young children, for example.

Labour Cllr Tom Renhard said: “We do need to be mindful that some people need to use their cars, for accessibility reasons but also families that have got to get kids around the place. So we need to make sure we keep things accessible for those that need to come into the centre.”

Another priority is “growing tourism, leisure and events” around the Harbourside. This includes establishing a calendar of events like boat shows, regattas and music festivals. The area is already home to the Bristol Sounds series of gigs at the Canons Marsh Amphitheatre, as well as the Harbour Festival too. Getting more movies and TV shows filmed could also bring in income.