The full pedestrianised area has planters and bike stands, with plans for outdoor seating at the coffee shop
Cllr Plowden, Cllr Wye, Cllr Wye’s Daughter, Cllr Edwards on Overton Road(Image: Bristol City Council)
A Bristol street which was once lined with cars has now been “transformed” into a traffic-free outdoor dining spot. A section of Overton Road, between Gloucester Road and North Road, has now reopened to pedestrians and cyclists following major pedestrianisation works.
The project has finished on schedule, having commenced in April. Regular Gloucester Road visitors will have noticed orange fencing around the area near Eat a Pitta, heading up the hill towards St Andrews, as the road was dug up.
Works included the installation of new cycle stands, improved access and routes for cyclists, and a fully pedestrianised area containing benches and planters. Bristol City Council said the measures aim to provide safer journeys for those walking, wheeling, and cycling through the area, just in time for the summer holidays, as well as creating more outdoor space for social interaction and a boost in footfall for local traders.
Councillor Ed Plowden, chair of the council’s transport and connectivity committee, said: “This is a fantastic moment for the area. These new measures have freed up ample space for businesses, pedestrians, and cyclists and in turn have completely transformed this street.
A section of Overton Road between Gloucester Road and North Road, has now reopened to pedestrians and cyclists following major pedestrianisation works
“It’s now easier than ever for people to come and enjoy Gloucester Road and the surrounding area on foot or on two wheels.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the area become a new hotspot for residents to park their bike, find a seat, and enjoy some of the great food and drink Gloucester Road has to offer in this brilliant new outdoor setting.”
While the newly pedestrianised zone is ready for use, there are still some minor finishing touches to be added, with trees and smaller shrubs due to be planted in autumn and winter.
The project is forecasted to have cost around £500,000 and has been funded by the Government via its City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, secured by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.
Helen Godwin, the Mayor of the West of England, said: “Investment from the combined authority has created more space for outdoor dining here on Overton Road, improving public space as well as making walking, cycling, and wheeling safer along the Gloucester Road corridor.
How Overton Road looks now
“Last week, I welcomed the government’s proposals to make it even easier to make our high streets even better. Working with local councils, improvements like these should be good news for our economy and also make a real difference that people can see and feel in the heart of their communities.
“Getting the basics right now by improving our walking and cycling infrastructure, and fixing our roads and bridges, will lay the foundations for a better transport system overall for our part of the world.
“We secured £752 million for that next stage in the recent Spending Review. That means that the West can get out of the slow lane on transport and start to catch up with other city-regions. That’s about active travel, as well as better buses, more trains, and mass transit – with trams and much more on the table.”
The owner of Perfecto Express, a small independently owned coffee shop located on Overton Road, said: “From a business perspective, and at a time when many are struggling, we are already seeing the positive benefits of the scheme which will also provide community benefits and an enhanced physical environment.
“We have recently applied to the council to place a small number of tables and chairs on part of the shared space for our customers which will help ensure the viability and future of the premises.”
Overton Road is located just off the busy Gloucester Road and was chosen as a suitable place for people to congregate away from the cars and bustle of the main thoroughfare. The council says it is hopeful that this will be a significant improvement to the lifestyles of people in the area, giving them somewhere to safely and sustainably enjoy the local amenities.