Benches, trees and better access for eels are all included in the planned upgrades
The walkway leading to Riverside Park, Bristol(Image: Google Maps)
A city centre park in Bristol will soon get major upgrades as part of the huge Frome Gateway regeneration project.
Riverside Park is in St Jude’s, and runs in between the M32 motorway and the River Frome.
The plans include replacing the walls alongside the river with railings and installing benches next to the water.
Bristol City Council is hoping more people will use the park, making the area feel safer, with improved wildlife-friendly lighting. The work is due to be finished in 2027.
The Frome Gateway regeneration includes building thousands of new homes in the area.
The council is consulting the public about its plans to upgrade the park. The consultation runs until July 14 and can be carried out online, or by attending an in-person event.
In consultation documents, a council spokesperson said: “When we engaged with local communities about the Frome Gateway Spatial Regeneration Framework in 2019, people told us they want to open up access to the River Frome within Riverside Park.
(Image: Bristol City Council)
“The River Frome and Riverside Park were recognised as having huge potential to contribute more to public enjoyment, wildlife and climate resilience.
“Further public engagement completed in 2023 showed continued support to clean up litter from the river, open up the riverbank, and improve people’s access to walk along and sit next to the river.”
Upgrades will be paid for from a government grant for managing flood risk. This money can’t be spent on other council services.
The plans include making space for water during a flood, improving access for litter pickers to clean up the river, and installing oil interceptors onto highway drains that discharge into the river.
Trees on the riverbanks will be pruned and invasive species will be removed, so more light reaches the river as well as plants and wildlife.
A wider range of trees will be planted in the park, and the culvert, where the river flows underground, will be improved to help access for eels.
A consultation event is taking place on Sunday, June 8, from 2pm to 5pm in the park.
An online webinar is happening on Thursday, June 12, from 1pm to 2pm. An exhibition is planned on Wednesday, June 18, from 12pm to 6pm at the Lost Horizon music venue. And a walking tour will be run on Wednesday, July 2, from 11am to 12pm in the park.
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