Ward profiles 2021: Clifton Down – ‘We need to rebuild the community’

There’s fresh paint on the doors and ‘staff wanted’ signs taped to windows as restaurants, pubs and bars in Clifton Down prepare to reopen.

On Cotham Hill, there’s finally some light at the end of the tunnel for businesses after a difficult year and the mood is buoyant on Thursday morning as many look forward to the new pedestrianisation measures due to come into play from April 12.

“It’s a massive positive,” says John Lewis of Fed, which opened its doors in September as a popup that has now become a permanent fixture.

“It will mean we can cater for a lot more people and in the summer, it will be buzzing.”

Ruby Persson and John Lewis of Fed on Cotham Hill are excited about the pedestrianisation plans

Just down the road, Ben Hann is also hopeful the changes, that will be brought in on a temporary basis initially, will be positive for the area although he does admit to having some concerns about older customers who might not be able to walk for any distance with their purchases.

Ben opened Cotham Hardware in November and says the neighbourhood is a really good mix of businesses, hospitality and residential properties.

Down a side street, a series of ‘Poshpads’ student let signs hint at the large student population in an area that is in close proximity to the University of Bristol.

Residential streets on the other side of Whiteladies Road feature rows of large properties set back from the road, interspersed with trees and ornate street lamps.

Clifton Down ward spans Whiteladies Road, Alma Road and Cotham Hill – and boasts the Lido, a Victorian swimming pool that first opened in 1850 and underwent a major restoration after it was saved from redevelopment in 2006.

The historic Lido in Clifton underwent major restoration after it was saved from redevelopment

Among the most affluent neighbourhoods in the city, it is also one in which people seem pretty happy with their lot, with 96 per cent saying they were satisfied with their area in a Bristol City Council 2020 survey, compared to an average of 79 per cent.

Despite the good quality of life, the area has faced its challenges like any other.

Redland Library, one of the few community spaces in the ward, has been closed throughout the pandemic

“It’s been a difficult year for this small corner of Bristol, though it’s been much worse for other parts of the city,” says Lloyd Roberts, chair of the Friends of Redland Library.

“Coffee shops, eateries, pubs and small shops closed. Redland Library is the only real community space in the area; and it’s been completely closed, apart for a few weeks of a click & collect service.

“We need to rebuild the community and we need support from City Hall. That support has been lacking.”

Clifton Down Shopping Centre is set for major redevelopment

The area has seen plenty of businesses come and go over the years and is set for big changes. Clifton Down Shopping Centre was bought for £27.2m by Sovereign Housing Association late last year with plans for a ‘major mixed use development’ at the site.

Down on the platform at Clifton Down station, a lone man is waiting for the train to take him back to Easton. He travels up to Clifton Down to do his shopping, saying he has always liked the array of independents, including Better Food, which has a store on Whiteladies Road.

“It’s not as good as it used to be mind,” he adds, referencing the area in general. “There used to be loads of interesting shops now it’s more fancy furniture places.”

Papadeli owner Simon MacDonell says the community of Clifton Down is very supportive of independents

On Alma Road, Papadeli is doing a steady trade on Thursday morning. Owner Simon MacDonnell says the support from customers, the community and staff has helped the business get through the difficulties of Covid-19 – which put a temporary halt to the catering side of the company.

“The supportive community is really good for independent businesses here,” Simon tells Bristol24/7.

Papadeli is partnered with Good Sixty grocery delivery service and Simon says the strong connection among the city’s independents – fostered by organisations such as Bristol Food Union, the British Association of Restaurants, Bars & Independents (BARBIE) Bristol and the council – has really helped through the last year.

Clifton Down is currently represented by Green councillor Carla Denyer, who will be standing again. Fellow Green Clive Stephens has recently stepped down as a councillor due to ill health so Tom Hathaway will be running alongside Carla.

“Not a politician by trade”, Tom currently works in the lab as a researcher at the Bristol Royal Infirmary and says he will look for evidence-based solutions and wants to help build a stronger, greener community in Clifton Down.

Lib Dems Merche Clark and Laura Barry will be contesting the ward, as will Labour’s Elliott Callender and Theresa Stratford.

University of Bristol students Jude D’Alesio and Alexander Gibson will be running for the Conservatives. Both say they are committed to serving the community, improving local transport – and campaigning to scrap the role of Bristol mayor.

All photos by Ellie Pipe

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