Filwood Broadway Public Realm Project - Tree Removal Consultation

The key reasons for the proposed removal are:

• To accommodate major improvements to the road layout and public space on Filwood Broadway - to create a place that is safer, more accessible and greener than it currently is (including the planting of 42 new trees).
• Early onset of ash dieback disease has been identified on 8 of the trees. This disease results in canopy decline which can lead to partial or whole tree failure.
• Several of the trees have been damaged by growing into the original metalwork surrounding the tree pits.
• Works to the road as part of the Filwood Broadway construction works will also have a negative impact on the trees due to disturbance of the existing rooting environment.

Note: The management of ash dieback across the city is currently a tree management priority. The early onset of ash dieback disease is not the primary reason for the proposed removal, however proactive removal of affected trees is considered during project-based work.

The trees proposed to be removed are all on the central reservation along Filwood Broadway between the triangular green space in the north and the Creswicke Road junction in the south. (See below)

 Figure 1. Proposed tree removals. See also cross referenced and marked up photos (below)

Figure 2. Proposed tree removals looking south along Filwood Broadway

Figure 3. Proposed tree removals looking north along Filwood Broadway

The work would include:

• Felling the existing 9 ash trees as shown on Figure 1, 2 and 3 and removal from site
• Removal of tree stumps after the trees have been removed
• Making good the ground where the trees have been removed

The removal of the ash trees would happen prior to extensive public space improvement works on Filwood Broadway. (see further details about the Filwood Broadway public space improvements (below).

Timing of the tree removals

The trees would be removed mid-November 2026 subject to the outcome of the public consultation.

Replacement trees

As part of the Filwood Broadway public space improvement works, a total of 42 new trees are proposed (see plan in Figure 4). 35 of these new trees will be large species trees with significant mature canopies. The trees will be of different species to enhance biodiversity and protect against the impacts of climate change and future potential tree diseases.

Figure 4. Proposed replacement tree planting as part of the wider Filwood Broadway Public Realm scheme (above)

The smaller trees in the green next to the Community Centre

The 9 small trees in the triangular green space opposite the play area are not part of this consultation because they are on council Parks land. This consultation only applies to trees on land owned by the council Highways department. The 3 silver birch trees in the southern corner of the triangle will be kept and protected during construction works and remain where they are as part of the new scheme. The 6 smaller trees planted by the community in the north-east of the triangle will be replanted along the eastern edge of the space ( it is possible some may not survive due to the impact of this summer’s drought).

Our commitment to trees

As a council, we are committed to increasing the number of trees in Bristol with 100,000 trees planted since 2015 as part of the One Tree Per Child and Trees for Streets programmes.

More information about the Filwood Regeneration including Filwood Broadway Public Space Improvements

Filwood Broadway is being reshaped to create the high street into a safer, greener and more welcoming place for all the community.

The project includes planting 42 trees, adding a separated cycle route that connects to Filwood Greenway, along with new seating, public art, lighting, rain gardens and more.

Councillor Barry Parsons, Chair of the Homes and Housing Delivery Committee, said: “This is an exciting step forward for Filwood Broadway. Replacing tired, outdated road and pavement surfaces with high-quality materials and giving more space for pedestrians will make a big difference to the area. These improvements will contribute to the regeneration of Filwood Broadway, creating spaces where people want to shop, dine, play and socialise.”

Councillor Ed Plowden, Chair of the Transport and Connectivity Committee, added: “These plans are about making Filwood Broadway a place that works better for people. By improving the street layout and public spaces, the area will be safer and more pleasant, helping create a high street where people want to spend time. This is a key part of our Healthy Streets approach - putting people and communities at the heart of transport schemes.”

The improvements are part of ongoing work to support Filwood Broadway as a lively, accessible and welcoming local high street.

This work is being funded as part of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Transforming Filwood regeneration project, awarded to Bristol City Council via the former Levelling Up Fund.

The improvements to the street are part of a much wider regeneration project along the Broadway that includes:

• 48 new council homes, a space suitable for a small supermarket, and a further 560 square metres of commercial/community space under construction on the former cinema and planned at 4-16 Filwood Broadway.
• Expansion and refurbishment of Filwood Community Centre, with work underway.
• Shop front improvements and a new, long-term high street strategy.
• A new Multi Use Games Area at Filwood playing fields, as part of wider plans being delivered by Bristol Robins Foundation.

Find out more about the changes happening at Filwood Broadway by following this link: Filwood regeneration