News / Cotham Hill
Hospitality owners celebrate Cotham Hill pedestrianisation plans
Being able to seat customers on new outside tables could ensure the survival of several cafes, bars and restaurants on Cotham Hill.
From April 12, the road will be closed to cars with businesses permitted to reopen using outdoor seating areas.
Closing the road to through-traffic will be a temporary scheme at first but could be made permanent after a recent survey by Bristol City Council found that more space for pedestrians and outdoor traders was a high priority for people living and working in the area.
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Two parts of the road will be closed to through traffic: between Whiteladies Gate and Hampton Lane, and between Hampton Park and Abbotsford Road.
The aim is to provide space for businesses and residents to gain access for loading and deliveries, while also preventing the road from being used as a through-route.
Temporary barriers will provide space for businesses to trade outdoors on both sides of the road, with a shared space for pedestrians and cyclists in the middle.
Coffee + Beer is a shop and cafe, with owner Dan Williams a key player in pushing plans for pedestrianisation on Cotham Hill – photo: Martin Booth
One of Bristol’s most popular restaurants, Bravas will be able to reopen now it can have outside space – photo: Martin Booth
In a joint statement, Dan Williams, owner of Coffee + Beer, and Kieran and Imogen Waite, owners of Bravas, said that they “are really grateful that the Cotham Hill community will get the road closure many of us have asked for”.
“This will allow us to reopen in April using outdoor space. Without it we would have to remain closed and, after an incredibly difficult year, this could be the difference between our businesses surviving or not.
“It will help to cement Cotham Hill as an independent, destination high street where people can come for a stroll to browse and support the variety of great businesses.
“The closure will give people more space to do this safely during the pandemic as well as create a more accessible, cleaner environment – whilst helping to address local concerns about safety and speeding traffic.
“We are excited to see some new and old faces soon and hope this temporary closure will be a successful trial to help inform a more permanent strategy for the road.”
Fed 1B is one of the newest hospitality businesses on Cotham Hill – photo: Martin Booth
Falafel King was founded in 2000 and also has a street food stall on the Centre – photo: Martin Booth
Bristol mayor Marvin Rees said: “It has been clear from speaking to traders and our recent engagement that some form of road closure is a key priority for local people, and we will be working with the community on plans for a longer-term scheme.
“Our aim is to deliver more liveable neighbourhoods right across the city that are free from traffic congestion and pollution.”
Kye Dudd, cabinet member for transport, added: “We are pleased we can provide this interim solution for businesses that will support them to reopen during the next stage of Covid-19 restrictions.
“Our next move will be to work with locals to design a scheme that takes a more holistic view at the area to avoid negative impacts on nearby roads.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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