Feedback received from the public during this period of engagement, along with findings from ongoing technical surveys and research, will inform detailed proposals to be developed by the masterplanning team led by Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands (LDS).
The masterplan for Western Harbour will combine everything that has been learnt about the area alongside anything new that needs to be included or that needs to change, and will set out detailed proposals for how it could all work together, and create a sustainable neighbourhood.
The regeneration of Western Harbour provides an opportunity to address the ageing road and bridge network in the area, respond to the challenges of a changing climate and the increasing threat of flooding, and build quality, affordable homes that the city needs, whilst also retaining and creating green space.
Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of the Council said: “We’re at an exciting stage of the masterplanning for Western Harbour, and want to share our current thinking and ideas to find out how you feel about them and if you consider them to be on the right track, before we develop detailed proposals. The feedback we receive during this engagement will help us understand if you support our ideas and will be considered alongside our findings from technical studies, ahead of further testing of options for the area.
“We know Western Harbour has significant historical and cultural importance along with many well-established community uses. Work continues to ensure appropriate space is given to celebrate and retain these alongside identifying improvements to roads, and walking and cycling connections and building the new homes that are needed.”
As part of the engagement, Bristol City Council will be asking people a series of “What if?” questions on ideas relating to road alignment, flood defences, improving connections to the rest of the city and opportunities for active travel, enhancing the green and blue spaces, building new homes, and providing space for a variety of community uses.
Councillor Andrew Brown, Chair of the Economy and Skills Committee, and the Harbour Committee said “Western Harbour is a particularly complex site. Through site research and technical surveys, we are developing our understanding of the traffic flows, flood management challenges, harbour operations, and heritage constraints as well as the condition of the roads and bridges. All of this, along with the feedback we gather during this period of public engagement, will inform detailed proposals and a draft masterplan which we hope to share with you for further consultation in early 2025.”
All of the information describing current ideas, including the vision for Western Harbour, will be available online at www.harbourhopes.co.uk from 21 October, along with a short survey for you to complete and tell us what you think.
Watch this short film which summarises the challenges and emerging thinking that could shape the masterplan:
The Western Harbour project is funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority through the Investment Fund, administered by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.
There will be a number of opportunities to view the information in person and meet the team. Exhibitions presenting current ideas will be available to view at three locations from 21 October:
The council will be hosting drop-in sessions, at the three exhibition locations plus Underfall Yard and Holy Trinity Church, where you can take a look at the ideas, chat to members of the team and let us know what you think. There’s no need to book, just turn up.
Visit the Harbour Hopes website for the latest information on all of the events and to sign up to the Harbour Hopes newsletter.
As well as seeking feedback on the emerging ideas for the Western Harbour masterplan, until 4 November Bristol City Council is consulting on a vision for how the city’s Floating Harbour could be transformed over the next 20 years.
The area covered by strategy includes the harbour’s water space, and the land immediately surrounding it from Junction Lock Bridge near Underfall Yard to Totterdown Basin behind Temple Meads Station.
The Western Harbour project area extends to westernmost end of Bristol’s floating harbour from Hotwells to Greville Smyth Park, and includes Cumberland Basin and the New Cut.
Leaders across the West have welcomed greater investment through today’s Spending Review, with a record three-quarters of a billion pounds of transport funding confirmed for the West. That means better buses, more trains, and mass transit – with trams and much more on the table. The Treasury has also today confirmed plans to improve rail links between Bristol and Cardiff.
The second phase of a project - to reduce congestion, improve the reliability of buses, and promote active travel along a major transport route in Bristol - will get underway from Monday 16 June 2025.
That’s summer sorted. Children and young people under the age of 16 are set to be able to travel for free on buses across our region during the school holidays, thanks to new investment proposed by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.
Bristol’s first electrified bus depot was opened on 3 June 2025 by a government minister and the West of England’s new mayor.
Leaders across the region have today welcomed more than three-quarters of a billion pounds set to be invested in transport projects in the West. The Chancellor has announced plans to more than double investment in local transport in England’s city regions, committing to “investment in all parts of the country, not just a few.”
