Latest Bristol Western Harbour proposal revealed

More details of the masterplan to regenerate Bristol's Western Harbour have been revealed.

The latest plans include keeping Brunel Way, the dual carriageway that crosses the harbour, but reducing the number of connecting roads and ramps in the area.

Flood defences will also be constructed, along with up to 1,200 new properties.

A month-long public consultation will run from 11 February to 9 March, with Bristol City Council leader Tony Dyer saying feedback received so far shows people are happier with the current plan than previous proposals.

"We've taken a different approach but anything that changes the city, people will have concerns and that's understandable".

"We've put in some options and if people want something different we can do things in some areas differently," he added.

Many of the new homes will be built on disused land, and two of the historic bonded warehouses in the area will be restored under the current proposals.

The popular Riverside Garden Centre is likely to be retained, but some of its current footprint may also be used for new homes.

There are also plans for leisure and heritage trails and a connected river walk.

Mr. Dyer said he understood many Bristolians associate the city's identity with the harbour, and that it's also popular with visitors.

"It's an area of the city that many people are very familiar with. They are aware of how close it is to the Avon Gorge and there is also a surprising amount of affection for the tobacco bonds in the area," he added.

"People like them and want them to continue to be seen as the dominant feature.

"We want to dramatically improve walking, wheeling, cycling connectivity from south to north but also through the area as well."

He added that following the public consultation a final masterplan will be created and voted on.

Architect Alex Lifschutz said the area will be "massively improved" and the ecology "massively increased".

"We're thinking of planting hundreds of trees and putting in watersides that are walkable so that you can appreciate the different kinds of water that there are here, whether docks or river or mud flats," he said.

Mr Lifschutz explained the plan is for Brunel Way to stay as part of the project.

"The fixed bridge part of it will be replaced, it's not on good shape, but the Plimsole moving part of it is in reasonable shape.

"It needs to be improved and to have its electricals upgraded to modern standards but it's fixable", he added.

Mr Lifschutz said what he described as a "spaghetti" of roads through the area will be replaced.

"Instead you'll have a central boulevard with two big bonded warehouses on one side and apartment buildings on both sides," he added.

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