Major plans to transform Bristol Harbour include commuter ferries and watersports centre

-Credit: (Image: Bristol City Council)
-Credit: (Image: Bristol City Council)


Bristol City Council has launched a consultation on how Bristol's Harbour could be "transformed" over the next 20 years. The Harbour Place Shaping Strategy (HPSS) was published yesterday (Monday, September 23).

It outlines how different areas around the harbourside could be changed, including a new full-size version of a famous Brunel ship, commuter ferries and increased pedestrianisation.

The projects vary in complexity and are planned to take place over the next two decades. The consultation on the plans is open until November 4, 2024 and Bristolians can have their say in the survey here.

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Waterspace Plan: additional moorings, open-water swimming potential and commuter ferries

Swimmers entered the water on a temporary swim course near Baltic Wharf Bristol last year
Swimmers entered the water on a temporary swim course near Baltic Wharf Bristol last year -Credit:PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC

The council has outlined that there is potential for 119 new moorings across the harbour. In these plans, sites including St Augustine's Reach and the Mardyke could see increased commercial moorings and new moorings in Mud Dock, Bathurst and Totterdown Basins and Castle Park Walkway.

A number of "live/leisure" moorings across Hannover Quay, The Grove, Merchant's Quay, Phoenix Wharf and Redcliffe Wharf are also part of the plans. Two "heritage mooring" sites at Princes Wharf and Amphitheatre Quayside Walkway are included in the plans, with special visiting vessels and tall ships adding historic interest.

In areas where mooring is not possible, the HPSS plan recommends 'greening', including a floating planter system creating habitats and urban waterscaping between Bristol Bridge and Totterdown Basin. Currently, there is 535 square metres of 'floating ecospace' in the area, with the plans proposing another 5850 square metres.

In-water and on-water sports have also been considered as part of the harbour plans. A new Baltic Wharf Watersports Centre has been proposed, with 'satellite' watersports locations in Mardyke Wharf, Phoenix Wharf, Castle Park and Totterdown Basin.

Due to the nature of open water swimming, the water quality is not as easy to control. However, the plans have suggested that in the future, open water swimming could be provided alongside a controlled lido in Baltic Wharf.

The plans suggest a controlled lido for in-water activities
The plans suggest a controlled lido for in-water activities -Credit:DK-CM

Short, medium and long-term plans for ferry services make up the remainder of the 'Waterspace Plan.' In the short-term, the council hope to build on the cross-harbour ferry service between the SS Great Britain and Brunel Quay, adding a new route between Museum Square and the Amphitheatre following public and stakeholder demand.

In the medium-term, the HPSS plans propose that the ferry service between Temple Meads through to Underfall Yard can be permanently extended eastwards down the feeder canal, and westwards to Cumberland Basin, to service the upcoming regeneration areas. In the long-term, the plans detail the potential to create a west-east commuter route through the city, and would be in place during the morning and evening rush to meet commuter demands.

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Spike Island: more bus services, a pedestrian Gas Ferry Road and a new ship

'Project Albion' refers to an investment into the SS Great Britain and Albion Dock area, enhancing creative and industrial activity through regeneration. Bristol City Council's ambition is to create a "lively public heart" for Spike Island to encourage interaction between businesses and the public, as well as reducing on-site parking and active frontages to give "glimpses of maker activity."

Perhaps the largest project in these plans is the recreation of a full-size version of Brunel's first ship, the paddle-steamer Great Western, to "create a striking visual presence evoking the city's role in pioneering ocean travel." The dry dock is planned to become an engineering learning experience for families and schools.

SS 'Great Western' (1837) transatlantic paddle steamer designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Engraving 1882
SS 'Great Western' (1837) transatlantic paddle steamer designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Engraving 1882 -Credit:Universal Images Group via Getty Images

The HPSS plans have also suggested reducing the width of Gas Ferry Road, creating a space for "safer, more pedestrian friendly movement and tree planting." Widening the Quayside Walkway to the south of the Marina is proposed, to provide opportunities for "enhanced landscaping, way-finding, seating and lighting."

A number of transport plans have been proposed, including an enhanced Metrobus service along Cumberland Road, with the service being expanded to Sundays and evenings. The creation of a new Mobility Hub at Spike Island providing cycle, e-bike and scooter hire and EV charging is also included in the plans.

Wapping Wharf: 'Bristol's equivalent to London South Bank'

A huge number of transport interventions have been included in the plans "in order to achieve a truly safe, legible and accessible public realm." This includes the identification of a suitable location for coach drop-off within walking distance of M-Shed, exploring the long-term reduction or removal of parking alongside the quayside at Wapping Wharf and the potential closure of Prince Street Bridge to all motor traffic to allow more space for pedestrians and micro-mobility users on the bridge.

Prince Street Bridge, Bristol
Prince Street Bridge, Bristol

Bristol City Council also hope to enhance Buttery Park for play, public seating and urban greening. The reopened railway lines have plans to be integrated into the area, with level surfaces to improve accessibility whilst keeping their "industrial and gritty character."

Canon's Marsh: New energy centre, independent shop units and pedestrian-friendly walkways

A new energy centre at Canon's Marsh is proposed in the Canon's Marsh section of the plans. This will include local-level water source heat pumps in and around Bristol Harbour.

The plans suggest that an "injection" of smaller and more bespoke units within Millennium Square would allow for a wider array of businesses and organisations, especially independents, to have a presence in the city centre. A number of improvements for pedestrians, including a tree-lined waterside walkway around the perimeter of the amphitheatre, as well as level surfacing along Narrow Quay have also been suggested.

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