News / Bedminster Green
Major regeneration project nears completion
The opening of a new University of Bristol student housing project in September will bring to life the much anticipated Bedminster Green regeneration project.
The new accommodation- Metalworks – is snuggled near Dalby Avenue, a few steps away from the current location of St Catherine’s Place, and will accommodate 819 students.
The Bedminster Green project also hopes to improve transport links for bikes, pedestrians and buses; transform East Street into a bustling high street and restore the underground River Malago.
is needed now More than ever
The Dalby Avenue bus stop right outside the student housing will ensure easy bus links for students
A project manager told Bristol24/7 that “by working with the developers we managed to get the land that we need to deliver all of those additional really good things for the transport network. So it should be really nice when it’s done.”
Regeneration plans for East Street might also mean that Share Bristol’s Library of Things might have to look for another permanent place after the end of its two year contract.
A regeneration officer for Bedminster Green said: “We negotiated with Share Bristol and the developer of the Bedminster Green plot too for these people to have a two-year lease of this space on a peppercorn rent.
Share Bristol’s Library of Things opened a few weeks ago and has been cherished by the neighbourhood
The officer continued: “So, the Library of Things have got this space guaranteed for two years and then we’ll be continuing to be working to find them a more secure home on the high street.
“It could be this one or potentially elsewhere on the high street.”
While the council insists they are attempting to “minimise” disruptions, it is not completely avoidable – considering the size of the regeneration project.
A major part of the project is dedicated to restoring the underground River Malago that is currently in a state of total disrepair.
Walking along Whitehouse Lane near Windmill Hill City Farm there is a narrow path covered by plants that has River Malago flowing beneath
Some of the lush green trees opposite St Catherine’s will be excavated to create space for the river and amphitheatre style seating.
Bedminster Green’s regeneration manager denied the “misconception” that the greenery was to be removed under the regeneration project.
The manager added: “This green space we are standing on is going to remain, this is not going to be built on. However, the river restoration involved interaction with the green spaces as it involves flood mitigation measures, with lots of biodiversity.
“For this, the green space will be essentially dug down and River Malago will be reopened and that will provide additional flood storage and place to hold the water.”
The opening of the student accommodation marks a further step in the regeneration project.
All photos: Karen Johnson
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