Bedminster has been identified as an Area of Growth and Regeneration in the Council’s emerging Local Plan due to its proximity to Bristol city centre and the presence of underused land, which provides the opportunity for comprehensive regeneration in a sustainable location. The area is already well-connected to public transport links, including MetroBus, Bristol Temple Meads, Bedminster railway station, and Bristol Airport, as well as being within walking distance of East Street and the city centre. It is also an opportunity to support the local economy and strengthen East Street’s important economic and social role for existing and future communities.For more information on Draft Policy DS8: Central Bedminster, visit BCC’s Local Plan Review web pages.

FAQs Archive - East Bedminster Regeneration

Q: Why is all of this needed?

There is a housing crisis and Bristol needs new homes. Bristol’s Draft Local Plan commits the city to deliver at least 33,500 new homes by 2036 to support Bristol’s growing population and meet this housing need. We also need to respond to the climate and ecological emergencies, reduce inequality across the city, and bring about new employment opportunities for communities. Regenerating areas like around Whitehouse Street allows us to work towards achieving these goals. By building in a central location, we can protect green spaces around and outside the city, as well as making it easier for people to walk, cycle, or catch public transport to jobs, leisure, and retail centres. The new development will also help support the local economy, including East Street, as well as delivering a range of other uses including work, community, and cultural spaces, which are vital to building vibrant communities.

Q: Will existing buildings be preserved and converted where possible?

A mixed use regeneration of the area will mean that many buildings will ultimately be replaced as many of the buildings are not suitable for conversion to other uses. However, in the short term meanwhile uses will be encouraged to utilise existing buildings and sites to avoid neglect and deterioration, retain activity in the area, and potentially provide cheap space for temporary uses. Where sites are being retained for employment uses, and the existing buildings are capable of reuse and refurbishment, opportunities for re-use of buildings are encouraged.

Q: Are there plans to deal with waste water and flooding risk?

The framework covers the need to manage water and mitigate against flooding. The integration of sustainable drainage features (SuDS) into the streets has been proposed.

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