News / Western Harbour
Work ‘on track’ to start Western Harbour construction in 2028
A new public consultation will launch in the autumn on the masterplan for the controversial Western Harbour regeneration project.
Updates on the work to completely redesign the area around the Cumberland Basin are now “underway and on track”.
Bristol City Council appointed a firm earlier this year to draw up plans for a new road network, bridges and thousands of new homes in the area includes parts of Hotwells, the western end of Spike Island and the area of land south of Ashton Avenue Bridge.
is needed now More than ever
Former plans for the redevelopment of the area included the demolition of homes on Ashton Avenue to make way for a new road – photo: Martin Booth
Construction is expected to start on the ground in 2028 and take six years to complete, the economy and skills policy committee were told in an update on regeneration projects across the city.
The update to councillors comes five months after London-based Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands were appointed to develop the masterplan for the Western Harbour.
Bristol City Council’s head of regeneration, Abigail Stratford, said: “We have appointed a multi-disciplinary masterplan team and they are currently undertaking a huge amount of work, getting all the surveys done and doing the site analysis.
“We hope to be able to go out to consultation in the autumn with an update. That work is underway and on track.”
Former mayor Marvin Rees wanted to completely remove Plimsoll Bridge – photo: Martin Booth
After responding to feedback in the public consultation, the masterplan should be ready by summer 2025.
The Western Harbour project has previously proved controversial, with some plans very unpopular among local residents, particularly building new roads.
Stratford added: “Often, transforming and changing places can be quite difficult. Complex and challenging issues are brought to the surface through conversations we’ve had with the community.
“Since the inception of the team, consultation and engagement activities delivered by the regeneration service have been specifically designed to listen to the people who know the area best.
“We learned from past experiences of what’s worked and what hasn’t worked elsewhere.”
Bonded warehouses could be transformed into flats – photo: Martin Booth
Main photo: Martin Booth
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