The Horsefair in Broadmead will be pedestrianised
(Image: Bristol City Council)
Bristol Live readers have heard that the city centre is set for a huge shake-up over the next two years, with newly released images revealing major plans to transform some of its busiest streets. The Horsefair in Broadmead will become pedestrian-only, with most traffic banned, as part of a £540 million overhaul of the city’s transport network.
Funded by the government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, the work is expected to begin next spring and must be completed by March 2027. Bristol City Council has warned of “serious disruption” during the works and launched a new website, Bristol on the Move, to keep residents up to date.
The three main projects will focus on the city centre, the Portway, and the Number 2 bus route along the A37 and A4018.
Green councillor Ed Plowden, who chairs the committee, said: “We need to prepare for our ongoing success as a city and all the extra journeys that our growing population will bring. We know there will be some disruption as we deliver projects that the city needs.”
From April, buses will be re-routed away from the Horsefair, Penn Street and Union Street, with some services returning after construction is complete next summer.
Plans include new cycle lanes, bus corridors, and redesigned roundabouts at Redcliffe and Bedminster Bridges, alongside upgrades to Temple Way and Bond Street. Officials say the changes will help tackle congestion and push more people to walk, cycle or use public transport instead of driving.
Commenter KaptainVon says: “We are not wanted here along with families, the elderly and Bristolians. Only bright, fit young people ready to zip around on e-Scooters and live in bird boxes need apply to live in Uni-topia.”
Figaro1785 thinks: “Trackless trams would be a better option than bendy buses, if BCC is going for rubber tyre ‘mass transit’, as they have more advanced technology and can carry from 50 up to 120 more passengers, according to the type of tram chosen. Clean air campaigners would prefer rail based trams, though.”
Fadinging suggests: “Before starting this get all the roadworks around the area finished first there must be about 100 ongoing works at the moment. Every bus you see at the moment is a bus diverted.”
Sirhumprey complains: “It’s all well and good doing these alterations but what we need is shops, that’s the whole point of Broadmead! At the moment it looks like a complete dump!”
Susiep replies: “People want to drive to shops. Driving from all points of the compass to a small central location makes no sense and guarantees congestion. It’s better to drive to multiple distributed points i.e. retail parks. Along with many other factors, private car ownership has helped to undermine city centre shopping. It’s time to move on from the idea that city centres are for shops.”
Henryhannon agrees: “Time to embrace the idea that city centres are not for cars.”
Blackbeard83 adds: “A lot of the clothes shops outside the centre have closed i.e. Outfit, Topman, Next Outlet. Obviously it depends what you’re buying but the centre obviously has more places to go. Plus not everyone drives. Plus modern retail outlets simply have less character than a city.”
Sparky7 points out: “So it looks as though we will no longer be going shopping or dining out in Broadmead. Plenty of other places with suitable disabled access and parking in the area. I feel sorry for those who own or lease shops in the area. Councillors obviously wish to kill off the few remaining decent shops!”
Magrathean agrees: “Actively working against the people. Knowingly working against small businesses.”
Berklicker states: “Bristol centre is now a gigantic bus terminal. It’s not pretty, but maybe if you walk along staring at the pretty painted floor you won’t notice?”
What do you think about the proposed changes to Bristol? Will they improve the visitor experience? Have your say in our comments section.