Cabinet considers North Fringe to Hengrove Package

Release Date: 18-Mar-2010

Bristol City Council’s March 25 Cabinet meeting is set to approve a major scheme bid to the Department for Transport for the second significant rapid transit route for Greater Bristol.

The route, would link South Bristol at Hengrove with the North and East fringes (Cribbs Causeway and Emersons Green) via the City Centre. This would link with routes that are being progressed between Temple Meads and Ashton Vale, and as part of the South Bristol Link.

The package, a joint project with South Gloucestershire Council which has already been approved by the SGC cabinet, comprises:

Two rapid transit routes in South Gloucestershire, one starting at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway serving Aztec West, Bradley Stoke, the proposed development at Harry Stoke, University of the West of England (UWE) with a spur to Parkway Station. The second branch from Emersons Green serving the science park and Hambrook. Both routes then go past the M32 park and ride and on to Bristol City Centre.
A park and ride site of up to 1,500 spaces on the current Stapleton Smallholdings site alongside the M32, accessed by a new junction from the motorway, with junction access to and from the city centre reserved for public transport vehicles.
Major remodelling of the St Augustine’s Parade and Colston Avenue area of the city centre to reallocate highway space to public transport users and deliver a significant improvement to public transport interchange facilities as well as for pedestrians, cyclists and the public realm. The remodelling will enable the separation of rapid transit from other traffic and to pass through the centre on its eastern side cross over to Lewins Mead and make its way to the St James Barton roundabout. The return route will be via Rupert Street and onto the remodelled centre. The remodelling will also create a significantly improved public space on the centre.
A route across Prince Street Bridge along St John’s Road through East Street/Malago Road, West Street, Parsons Street, Hartcliffe Way and Creswicke Road to Hengrove Park. This particular route was one of four routes that was selected for detailed consideration.

Of the £191 million cost of the scheme, £168 million (excluding preparatory costs) will be funded by the Department for Transport. The remainder will be split between Bristol and South Gloucestershire Councils. The scheme’s cost when set against its expected benefits, is expected to fall into the DfT’s ‘high value for money’ category.

Considerable consultation has taken place to date with both residents and the business community. Further consultation will take place as the scheme progresses.

Public Consultation about the proposals indicated a high level of support with some concerns on the detail of the proposed routes and M32 park and ride site. As a result of consultation feedback the scheme has been extended from Aztec West to Cribbs Causeway. The Package has the support of the business community, the South West Regional Development Agency and the South West Councils.

The bid is due to be submitted on 31 March. If it is successful then, subject to further preparatory work, consultation and approvals, scheme construction could start in 2013/14 and be completed in 2016/17.

The programme a key component of the integrated strategy for the West of England, underpinned by the Greater Bristol Strategic Transport Study, which is geared towards maintaining Bristol’s economic competitiveness and prosperity.

Councillor Jon Rogers, Executive Member for Transport and Sustainability, said: “This is a major transport project which will deliver huge economic and social benefits and I bring it to Cabinet with my whole-hearted endorsement. The scheme will make easy access from North to South Bristol a reality, and it is not hard to imagine what that will mean for jobs, business, success and prosperity for all Greater Bristol’s citizens.

“As with any major beneficial project, there are a few people who are more directly affected by the development, and I want to reassure these people that I am also alive to their concerns. I continue to ensure that their voices are heard clearly and that mitigation is in place to minimise or eliminate any negative impact.”

Author: Kate Hartas 0117 922 2649

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