Councillors have approved plans to close a city centre road near the Hippodrome to cars in a bid to boost the hospitality trade. Denmark Street will soon be closed with space on the road given over to restaurants to have outside seating, with more space for pedestrians to walk too.

Denmark Street has narrow pavements and is often used as a rat run. But there are many people walking along the street, with the O2 and the Beacon also nearby. One major concern however is the impact on disabled people, but they will be able to park behind the Hippodrome.

Just the eastern section of the street will be closed, from the Ciao Amici restaurant to St Augustine’s Road. The transport policy committee approved spending £820,000 on the project, but this first needs to get approval from the West of England Combined Authority as well.

placeholder image — Denmark Street | Bristol City Council/LDRS

Liberal Democrat Councillor Nicholas Coombes said: “Seeing the drawings has reassured me that it is indeed possible to get to the accessible entrance of the Hippodrome by vehicle, if that’s what people choose to do. I now think that this is a scheme worth supporting.”

Labour Cllr Tom Renhard added: “It does seem like a really good scheme that could support local businesses in the area. I’m happy to support it, obviously with the proviso that concerns of disabled people are worked through and fully addressed.”

Council staff are still working with disability groups to ensure their needs are met. Lorries making deliveries to the Hippodrome drop off on Gaunts Lane, behind the theatre, where parking bays will be kept for when shows are happening. But the concerns of some disabled people remain.

Carolyn Rogers, who is chronically ill and disabled, said: “Not all disabled people have someone to push them in a wheelchair or have powered wheelchairs or disability scooters, so cannot walk further than 20 metres. Many are unable to use public transport. We rely on cars. Many suffer ill effects from walking even a short distance.

“Pedestrianisation of large areas of Bristol means these areas have become no-go areas for many disabled people. We are denied access to our own city. There is a huge reduction of disabled parking spaces all over Bristol, and notably around pedestrianised areas.

“I can no longer go to many places: the Watershed, the Palestine Museum and many others. Pedestrianisation of Denmark Street is a disaster for disabled access to the Hippodrome, without a big increase in disabled parking 20 metres from the disabled entrance.”

Bollards would be installed on either end of the section of the street that will be closed. These can be removed so businesses can still get deliveries. Benches and planters are also planned.

After the meeting, Green Cllr Ed Plowden, chair of the transport committee, said: “This area of the city centre is an immensely valuable cultural hub, home to some of the city’s most iconic and well-loved institutions. By prioritising people over vehicles, we can ensure it remains a vibrant and welcoming destination to all.

“Throughout this process, we have worked closely with partners, local organisations and accessibility groups, including our friends at WECIL, and listened carefully to the feedback shared through our public consultation. Following this, we have taken public concerns seriously and are now finalising the designs to better reflect the needs of the community.

“I would also like to thank everyone who took the time to share their views on this scheme. Your feedback has been instrumental in shaping our updated proposals, helping to ensure they have the backing of the city.”