Updated plans for Bristol’s Western Harbour released
Proposals for the regeneration of Western Harbour have been updated in response to people’s views and now Bristol City Council is seeking feedback on a draft masterplan for the iconic area.
The draft masterplan for Western Harbour sets out detailed proposals for where new homes, community spaces, businesses, walking and cycling routes, roads and greenspaces could go within the area that extends to the westernmost end of Bristol’s floating harbour from Hotwells to Greville Smyth Park, including Cumberland Basin and the New Cut.
People are being asked to visit www.harbourhopes.co.uk before Sunday 9 March 2025 to view the masterplan’s detailed proposals.
Cllr Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council, said: “We’ve listened to feedback and have adjusted our proposals for Western Harbour based on how people felt about the initial ideas shared back in the autumn.
“We’re delighted to be able to retain Riverside Garden Centre in its current location and look forward to continuing our work with them to develop plans for how the garden centre will look in the future.
“Ashton Meadows will remain a green open space linking Greville Smyth Park to the river and to the recreational spaces of Ashton Court and Leigh Woods beyond.
“The draft masterplan also addresses the acute need for housing in Bristol, proposing between 750 and 1200 new homes for the area whilst ensuring the Grade II-listed bonded warehouses, while repurposed remain the dominant features of the skyline to the west of the city.”
During Autumn 2024, the council gathered opinions from the public and stakeholders, including local residents and community organisations, on initial ideas for how the area could be improved.
It then worked with masterplanners Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands to develop detailed proposals that form the draft masterplan.
Cllr Andrew Brown, chair of the economy and skills committee and harbour committee, said: “One key part of the masterplan is how we can make Western Harbour more accessible, by improving pedestrian and cycle paths and creating better connections to make it easier to get around and enjoy the area. A riverside park and elevated riverwalk that would integrate with the Bristol Avon Flood Strategy flood defences would enhance the experience for anyone walking, cycling or wheeling through Western Harbour, encouraging them to stop and enjoy the views whilst also engaging with nature.
“By bringing together the well-established assets, heritage and communities in the area with a mix of new shops, cafés, cultural uses, creative workspaces and homes we can create a vibrant and sustainable neighbourhood.
“There are still many steps ahead of us before we can begin any work on the ground, including works to address the ageing road and bridge network. We will continue to provide opportunities for you to have your say and influence the evolving masterplan.”
The Western Harbour project is funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority through the Investment Fund, administered by the Mayoral Combined Authority (TBC by MCA).
Exhibitions presenting the proposals can be visited at
The Create Centre from 11 February to 5 March, during the centre’s opening hours, or
Museum Square from 11 February to 9 March.
Meet the team:
In person at Underfall Yard on Saturday 1 March between 10am and 4pm – no need to book, just turn up, or
Online during one of our webinars (BSL interpreted) on Wednesday 12 February or Tuesday 25 February from 6.30pm to 8pm – visit www.harbourhopes.co.uk to sign up.
