Western Harbour draft vision: Affordable homes, Riverside Garden Centre and a ‘cultural hub’

A huge bonded warehouse will be converted into a ‘mixed-use cultural hub’ for the city, under a draft vision published for the proposed ‘Western Harbour’ development by Bristol City Council.

Half of as many as 3,000 homes planned for the area will be affordable housing, while the Riverside Garden Centre and the Brunel Way pump track will remain as part of the redevelopment.

The draft vision for the large area drawn up by the city council follows several months of consultation and is aimed at providing more housing on ‘brownfield land’ and replacing the Cumberland Basin road system.

The draft vision

The early plan sets out commitments, starting off with welcoming visitors through the area’s ‘significant gateway’ with a new development attracting people from near and far.

It also aims to reduce local traffic with amenities within walking distance and public transport and ferries prioritised over cars. New pedestrian and cycling routes would be extended along the harbourside walkway.

Historic buildings would be restored and reused while new architecture would be distinct to the area, and respect existing landmarks and views.

A bonded warehouse would be converted for a mixed use and include a cultural hub for Bristol, while the Riverside Garden Centre and the Brunel Way pump track will be accommodated.

What the mayor says

Marvin Rees said: “This vision gives us a clear understanding of the kind of place Bristolians want Western Harbour to be. The ideas and principles set out in the vision are ambitious and far-reaching.

“We are committed to making Western Harbour an example of how transformative, positive change can come forward that supports community life, while meeting the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and changes to how we live, work, and play in our cities.

“We know how important this area is to local people and to the wider city. To make sure the vision reflects community hopes and aspirations, we have spent months engaging with and listening to the community to get to this point.”

How can you get involved

The next part of the consultation is open until April 22, and will feed into a masterplan for the project.

You will be asked about a number of commitments that reflect what people said during public engagement in 2021.

To take part, click here