Rees: ‘We need to work together to make sure Bristol grows well’

Marvin Rees says that new developments currently being built across Bristol “can seem overwhelming, especially after decades of under-delivery”.

But the mayor says that we all “need to work together to make sure that Bristol grows well”.

Writing in his latest mayoral blog, Rees lays out in detail all of the projects underway and due to happen across the city.

While work has now begun to build almost 1,500 new homes at Hengrove Park, development of the Western Harbour seems highly unlikely to start by the time Rees leaves office in May 2024.

“Bristol will always be changing and growing in different ways, and we have to adapt and seize the opportunities this will bring us,” Rees writes.

“By having a clear vision of the future we want, with sustainable and inclusive growth at its heart, we can build it together.”

Rees says that he has “a vision to create vibrant communities with sustainable, inclusive economic growth”.

“Quality affordable homes and job opportunities will be in locations where we can have reliable, frequent public transport connections and be within walking and cycling routes.”

Building new homes needs to be accompanied by investment “in transport networks and infrastructure so people can work and learn”.

“We all need to have access to green spaces, and community spaces. What’s more, we need to do this in a way that will help us be a carbon neutral and climate resilient city by 2030 while also improving wildlife and ecology.”

The rivers Frome, Avon and Malago run through some of the regeneration areas, Rees writes, “but in many parts the Frome and Malago are hidden or unloved”.

“Working alongside developers and landowners we have the opportunity to recover and restore these precious habitats.

“In Bedminster Green, the River Malago will be ‘daylighted’, uncovered from underground tunnels and its natural features restored.

“Restoring the river brings great benefits; improved flood resilience and biodiversity throughout the river’s course and new green public spaces for people to enjoy.

“We’re focusing on keeping the roots and history of Bedminster and making sure the heritage of industrial space works in harmony with the need for housing, jobs, and our response to the climate emergency to create a modern, thriving neighbourhood.”

Riverside Park is at the heart of the so-called Frome Gateway development area – photo: Barbara Evripidou

Rees also focussed his attention on the so-called Frome Gateway in St Jude’s, saying that he hopes it will become “an exemplar neighbourhood”.

“We want it to be recognised for its unique identity, ability to support healthy sustainable communities, and high-quality and sustainable design.

“Regeneration there, as across Bristol, must include our commitment to retaining a range of employment to help ensure a diverse and growing economy.

“We know the community is strong and but also faces some of the highest levels of socio-economic deprivation in the city.

“Regeneration will need to provide meaningful opportunities to improve quality of life for the local community and access to opportunity.”

Main photo: Dawson Steeplejacks

Read next:

• Bristol to scrap government’s ‘unrealistic housing targets’
• Potential lifeline for Brislington Meadows and Yew Tree Farm
• Plans set to be approved for hundreds of flats
• Affordable eco-housing to be built on disused garage plots

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