Bristol Live readers have been hotly debating the contentious £15 million transformation scheme for Park Street in Bristol. The plans, put forward by Bristol City Council, include the installation of a bus gate and a bus lane at either end of Park Street, with the aim of enhancing bus reliability and boosting footfall.
These proposals have drawn both support and criticism from locals. The £15 million revamp of Park Street is part of an overall improvement plan for the number 2 bus route.
The scheme would see the creation of a bus gate at the top of Park Street, a bus lane from The Centre, and additional bus stops. Segregated cycleways, wider pavements, and changes to the road network, particularly around the Clifton Triangle, are also included in the transformation plans.
According to Bristol City Council, the goal is to enhance transport travelling up and down the iconic street. Earlier this week, local businesses on Park Street voiced their concerns that they may be forced to relocate due to these changes.
Independent businesses argued that reducing traffic flow would ‘kill Park Street’. Council representatives informed businesses that work could commence as early as December.
Reader Eezergoood expressed concern by saying: “By the look of the CGI of the new Park Street it seems that the pedestrians will have to fight it out with the buses. Since buses are few and far between when one does come down, or up, it will be a total shock to those walking in the area.”
Pad55 feels: “There is no data to say buses are held up on Park Street it’s just another BCC idea to make Bristol a no-go place to visit.”
Malagogogirl believes: “This scheme creates a dedicated bus route from Whiteladies Road to the Centre, which will improve punctuality. It will also reduce traffic in The Centre, Lewins Mead and the Haymarket, also improving bus punctuality. People consistently say they want better public transport. This sort of scheme helps achieve that.”
Fredxxxy disagrees: “Will create WORSE environment for neighbouring streets!”
Table For Two adds: “Oh no. Change. Scary. As usual the nay-sayers here are predicting the demise of somewhere because the world has moved on & the thought of walking more than 20 metres to get their bubble tea (yuck) is causing high blood pressure.”
Tommo1805 thinks: “Ambulances going to BRI and children’s hospital will be delayed.”
BS8GR8 believes: “BCC need to proceed with this proposal ASAP. Very few if any visitors to shops in Park Street travel there by car, there are very few car parking spaces actually on park street itself or indeed surrounding streets. Most people walk from Clifton or the city centre, get the bus, or cycle. Many more are visiting for short breaks or on business staying in nearby hotels or Airbnb etc. For those who want to drive there one of the largest city centre car parks is in Trenchard Street nearby. There will be additional provision for ‘disabled’ parking. All city centres across the UK are changing with customers choosing to shop more on line and remaining retailers tend to be specialised and are destinations people will plan to visit vs opportunistic buys from passing trade.
“Former shops are increasingly turning into cafes and restaurants and, as we have seen in Cotham Hill reducing traffic flow has been a real boon to businesses. Park Street will be a very welcoming lively street once these proposals are implemented with much more greenery and less traffic noise and pollution. Bristol city centre needs to adapt to these new realities or die. Change can be difficult and unnerving but in this case I see very little downside. Bring it on.”
6470 writes: “If the council wants less traffic on Park Street, all they have to do is, do away with the Money Gate (bus gate) turn Park Street into a one way street, but they don’t make any money out of that.”
Big Rich feels: “This will gridlock city centre. Anybody who comes into town via M32 after a days work will be sat in horrendous traffic every night. Have consideration for the people that pay their taxes.”
Will the changes help or hinder Bristol? Have your say HERE or in the comments below.