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Chandos Road could be next Bristol street to be pedestrianised
Plans to pedestrianise Chandos Road in Redland have been met with widespread approval.
But there are already fears that traffic could be pushed onto nearby smaller roads if Chandos Road is closed to cars, with a road renowned for its food and drink businesses also probably not having enough of them to fill a pedestrianised road with tables and chairs.
News to pedestrianise the road in Redland has been revealed by cabinet member for transport, Labour councillor Don Alexander, who he hopes that the success of the pedestrianisation of nearby Cotham Hill will be able to be replicated in this corner of BS6.
is needed now More than ever
Alexander also revealed that funding has been secured to make the Cotham Hill pedestrianisation permanent.
The Chandos Road scheme is being funded by WECA, with more proposals due to be released and a consultation due to take place in the new year.
Chandos Road seen through the windows of the Bread Shop – photo: Martin Booth
Alexander said: “The trial pedestrianisation of Cotham Hill was a huge success and has shown how popular pedestrianisation schemes can be.
“I’m pleased to announce that we secured funding to make the Cotham Hill pedestrianisation permanent and that we will now also look to introduce a similar scheme for Chandos Road in Redland.
“I very much hope and expect the success of Cotham Hill pedestrianisation can be replicated with Chandos Road. The Chandos Road festival shows the street thrives when it’s closed to cars. I hope that by doing this, we can bring the same benefits the festival does all year round.
“As well as opening up more space for the street’s traders, this will also free up the road for pedestrians and cyclists and create a new active travel route through Redland.”
Mr Noodle izakaya and ramen bar is a pop-up at Otira on Chandos Road, with its outside seating area popular during the summer – photo: Martin Booth
The Good Measure pub on Chandos Road is celebrating its fourth birthday with four days of celebrations from Thursday to Sunday.
Co-owner Kelly Sidgwick said that she welcomes a discussion about how to make the street more welcoming to visitors.
She said: “It’s already such a vibrant area with fantastic businesses across a range of industries – not just hospitality – and we look forward to being involved in the consultation.
“Hopefully residents and businesses that share the local area can both get the best from it.
“There is already a lot of foot traffic, but narrow pavements and a frankly ridiculous lack of bike parking make it less attractive than it could be.
“Measures aimed at improving the built environment for everyone are definitely to be applauded.”
Once upon a time, businesses did not need car parking spaces outside their premises in order to make money – photo: Bristol Archives
Today, Chandos Road is one of Bristol’s foremost streets for food and drink – photo: Martin Booth
Main photo: Kelly Sidgwick
Read next:
- Princess Victoria Street pedestrianisation to be made permanent
- ‘Overwhelming support’ for keeping Cotham Hill pedestrianisation
- Is this Bristol’s best bacon butty?
- New Bristol restaurant in Michelin guide
- The secretive Mr Noodle serving some of Bristol’s best ramen
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