Bid for Bedminster Green's restoration could see £14.3 million boost
If approved, the project will focus on battling local climate and ecological emergencies
The regeneration of Bedminster Green could receive up to £14.3 million in funding to deliver strategic highway, public realm, river restoration and flood alleviation works.
Bristol City Council’s Cabinet will consider the request when it meets later today (2nd November).
If approved, the funding would help to ensure that the transformation of Bedminster Green also responds to climate and ecological emergencies.
This will be possible by creating sustainable transport connections, enhanced public spaces and increased flood storage capacity.
The project will also see over 2,000 new homes built, including affordable homes and student accommodation.
Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees said: "Bedminster Green is a significant opportunity to bring much-needed new homes to south Bristol, alongside sustainable transport links and improved public spaces, including a revitalised River Malago.
"If approved by Cabinet this funding would enable these crucial works to progress in the coming months, driving forward the regeneration of the area in a way that also responds to the climate and ecological emergencies."
Future-proofing the area against the changing climate
Transport improvements would include a new bus lane on the A38, wider footpaths and improved cycling routes that will connect with existing routes - improving sustainable travel connections with the city centre, Bristol Airport and East Street.
New planting, sustainable drainage and flood measures would help to future-proof the area for a changing climate.
The proposed works, which were strongly supported in a public consultation earlier this year, would also deliver a restored and re-naturalised River Malago.
The river will be brought back above ground, making it more visible to local people and providing a place for wildlife to thrive.
A place for floodwaters to be stored will be also created, improving flood resilience in the area.
Bedminster Green's restoration in the works since 2019
The request to Cabinet comes after an initial in-principle allocation of up to £6 million Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding by Cabinet in March 2019.
Following detailed designs and cost analysis, the Council now has a clear idea of the funds needed to deliver this work, which will begin on-site in 2022.
Funding is proposed to come from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), with a bid currently being considered by central government, and the £6 million CIL approved by Cabinet in 2019 proposed as match funding.
The Council is confident that the Bedminster Green project is a suitable candidate for CRSTS funding as plans are at an advanced stage.
Moreover, the money will enable sustainable growth and improve strategic transport links across the city.
An announcement on the funding allocation from the Department for Transport is expected later in the Autumn.