“So many stakeholders”: Double-header on urban regeneration in Bristol

Brief report on presentations by Andrew Tallon (UWE) and Jane Greenaway (Temple Quarter Partnership)

On 15th Oct 2024, we saw a large crowd, with well over 100 in attendance, to see a double-header on Bristol urban regeneration, with plenty of examples, but focussing on the specific case study of Temple Quarter, near Temple Meads train station.

Ahead of this, Janet Neil ran through a very quick AGM on behalf of the committee and membership (i.e. audience). We were advised on Bristol GA’s role in supporting geography staff and students in the region, their work during the past year, and the proposed committee membership for 24-25, which is little changed but for the addition of new members Qiujie Shi (University of Bristol), Matt Sales (Backwell School) and Layla Bray (Trinity Academy). Thanks were offered to them for volunteering and to the rest of the committee for the great work they have done this past year.

Schools represented in the audience included St. Mary Redcliffe and Temple; Backwell; Redland Green; Clifton College; Redmaids High; Bristol Grammar; Wells Cathedral; Malvern St James; St St. Katherines; Bristol Cathedral Choir; QEH; Churchill Academy & Sixth Form; Collegiate School.

Andrew kicked-off the urban regeneration session with an overview of the urban historical context for Bristol. He highlighted many of the challenges associated with planning, politics, investment and much more. Many of the issues faced in Bristol apply to cities elsewhere, but also included in the presentation were specificities that provide excellent material for student work on regeneration and ‘changing places’. Inner city (Harbourside, Temple Quay, Cabot Circus) and outer city (Bradley Stoke, Aztec West, Cross Causeway and Brabazon) developments featured. Bristol has seen a successful transition from a manufacturing base to one dominated by insurance, finance, government, software. Regeneration has seen a reshaping of housing, elements of ‘touristification’, a more intense night-time economy, and more focus on sustainability.

Jane’s presentation followed this detailed backdrop and focussed on the state-of-play with Bristol Temple Quarter, which is seeing rapid progress. A major theme was how communities were able to shape plans through engagement activities (roundtables, business drop-ins, website, ideas boards, school visits and more). Amongst the key drivers identified: permeable site, green spaces, access/corridors and employment.

By way of example, Jane illustrated the challenges and proposed solutions for each of the ‘gateways’ to the site (e.g. Eastern entrance). Dealing with historical legacy, mixed use, sustainable design, and much more, makes for “complex” work, “so many stakeholders are involved”.

Thanks to Andrew and Jean for information-packed material (backed up with slides).