Bristol street near the Hippodrome could be closed to cars
The City Council is consulting the public on the plans
A city centre street near the Hippodrome could soon be completely closed to cars to make the area nicer to walk around. Denmark Street runs from the Centre to the Hatchet pub, and is often busy with pedestrians despite its narrow pavements.
Bristol City Council is consulting the public on plans to close part of the street to motor traffic. The plans also include installing better pedestrian crossings, speed bumps, bike racks and benches on Denmark Street, Frogmore Street and Trenchard Street.
Depending on the results of the public consultation, the transport policy committee will decide whether to go ahead with the project in October. All the works would then be completed by the end of 2027. The area is home to the Hippodrome, the Bristol Beacon, and the O2 Academy, as well as bars and restaurants, and the changes could help boost the hospitality trade.
Green Councillor Ed Plowden, chair of the transport policy committee, said: “This area of the city is a key part of Bristol’s cultural offering. We are aiming to make it safer and more welcoming for everyone, whether you are heading to a show or concert, grabbing a bite to eat, or just passing through. Please do get involved in the consultation, as your views will help us to shape this important area and support Bristol’s night-time economy.”
Denmark Street could be closed either from a longer part from the Ciao Amici restaurant to the junction with St Augustine’s Parade — which would see car parking spaces converted into an area that restaurants could use for outdoor seating — or alternatively just a shorter stretch with no loss of parking spaces. And there are two options for when Denmark Street would be closed.
A part-time closure would take effect each night from Thursday to Sunday between 7pm and 6am, while a full-time closure would be in force from Monday to Sunday at all times. Emergency and authorised vehicle access would be allowed in both options at all times.
The plans also affect Denmark Avenue, the short stretch of road in between the Hatchet pub and Denmark Street. This could be closed to motor vehicles to “create more attractive public space”. Two benchers and planters would be installed, as well as new bike racks. Tactile paving and dropped kerbs would be installed at five junctions in the area too.
Speed cushions could be installed in four locations on Frogmore Street and Trenchard Street near the O2 Arena, the Beacon and the Hatchet. A new crossing point would be created at Culver Street and Frogmore Street. A new tree, benches and bike racks are also planned.
The proposed changes form part of the council’s wider push to give more space for people walking and cycling and less for cars. Nearby, roadworks on Park Street are due to begin this autumn, that will stop through-traffic from using the shopping street in a bid to prevent buses getting stuck in congestion. Pavements will also be made wider, with some parking spaces removed.
The Park Street plans include banning general traffic from driving the whole way through the road. Buses, taxis, motorcycles and bikes would still be allowed to use the road. Drivers can still access Park Street and park there, but via St Georges Road, a side road to the west.
Helen Godwin, the Labour mayor of the West of England, said: “Bristol city centre is home to some the West’s biggest attractions, so people across our region should have their say on potential investment in improved public spaces there and making it easier to get around. Working with local businesses, residents, and the council, together we can make a real difference that people can see and feel in our part of the world.
“Getting the basics right now by improving our walking and cycling infrastructure, and fixing our roads and bridges, can lay the foundations for a better transport system overall. We secured £752 million for that next stage in June’s Spending Review. That means that the West can get out of the slow lane on transport and start to catch up with other city-regions. That’s about active travel, as well as better buses, more trains, and mass transit.”