Exciting new plans for Bristol’s Harbour unveiled: Have your say!

Bristol City Council has just dropped big plans for transforming the city’s iconic Harbour over the next 20 years!

Their Harbour Place Shaping Strategy (HPSS), released on September 23, is packed with exciting ideas that could change the way we all experience the harbourside – from a new Brunel ship to commuter ferries and plenty of green spaces. 

Here’s a breakdown of the vision:

What’s in the plan?

    •    New brunel ship: A full-size recreation of Brunel’s Great Western paddle-steamer could be the star attraction, bringing a piece of Bristol’s maritime history back to life.

    •    Commuter ferries: Plans include adding more ferry routes, possibly creating a morning and evening commuter service across the harbour – perfect for avoiding city traffic!

    •    Pedestrian-friendly zones: Expect more car-free spaces, making the harbour easier and safer to explore on foot.

    •    Watersports & swimming: A new Baltic Wharf Watersports Centre is on the horizon, with several locations proposed for kayaking, paddleboarding, and maybe even open-water swimming (once the water quality’s sorted).

    •    Green spaces: From Buttery Park’s urban greening to floating planters creating eco-friendly habitats, there’s a strong focus on making the harbourside more nature-friendly.

Moorings & boats

    •    119 new moorings: More space for boats, including at St Augustine’s Reach, Mud Dock, and Bathurst Basin. There are even plans for heritage moorings at Princes Wharf, which could attract tall ships and historic vessels.

    •    Live/leisure moorings: Fancy living by the water? There could be new mooring spots for houseboats at Hannover Quay and Redcliffe Wharf, making the harbour even more vibrant.

Greening the harbourside

    •    Floating ecospace: Over 5,800 square metres of new floating gardens could be introduced, creating lush, green spaces between Bristol Bridge and Totterdown Basin – that’s over 10 times the current amount of floating greenery!

Revamping Canon’s Marsh

    •    Energy centre: A new energy hub with water-source heat pumps is planned, aiming to make the area more sustainable.

    •    Independent businesses: Millennium Square could see an influx of smaller, independent businesses and shops, adding more local flavour to the area.

    •    Pedestrian improvements: Canon’s Marsh and Narrow Quay are set to become even more pedestrian-friendly, with tree-lined walkways and level surfaces making it easier to stroll along the water’s edge.

Ferry services: Connecting the city

    •    New routes: In the short term, expect a new ferry route between Museum Square and the Amphitheatre. In the long term, ferry services could extend from Temple Meads to Cumberland Basin, with a potential commuter route during rush hours.

Spike island: 

    •    ‘Project Albion’: Big plans are brewing for Spike Island, with investments in creative spaces, fewer cars, and a focus on showcasing the area’s industrial heritage.

    •    New ship & learning centre: The SS Great Britain could soon have a new neighbour – a recreation of Brunel’s first ship, the Great Western. This could become a hands-on learning site for families and schools.

    •    Better transport: More Metrobus services are on the way, plus new cycle, e-bike, and scooter hire options to make getting around easier.

What happens next?

The council wants your input! You’ve got until November 4, 2024 to have your say. Whether you’re passionate about watersports, want more green spaces, or just have thoughts on how the harbour could look, now’s the time to get involved.

Why it matters

These plans have the potential to reshape one of Bristol’s most iconic areas, making it greener, more accessible, and even more fun to visit. Whether you’re a local or just love spending time by the water, these changes could make the harbour an even better place to live, work, and play.

To check out the full details and share your thoughts, head over to the Bristol City Council website before the consultation closes!

Picture credit: Bristol City Council