Major upgrades to walking, cycling and public transport are planned over the next three decades for the North Fringe of Bristol. A new masterplan aims to make it easier for people to walk, cycle and catch the bus or train around communities in the north of the city, most of which lie in South Gloucestershire.
Places which could see changes as part of the North Fringe Infrastructure masterplan include Filton, Cribbs Causeway, Patchway, Bradley Stoke, Stoke Gifford, Harry Stoke, Henbury and Brentry. South Gloucestershire Council chiefs signed off on the masterplan earlier this week, after a six-week public consultation in the summer.
Councillor Steve Reade, cabinet member for regeneration, environment and strategic infrastructure, said: “The north fringe of Bristol masterplan is the result of a successful joint project between the West of England combined authority, South Gloucestershire Council and Bristol City Council. The outcome is an ambitious vision for the area that, if realised, will bring social, economic and environmental benefits up to 2050 and beyond.”
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Options on the A38 Gloucester Road include removing central reservations and replacing them with pedestrian islands, to make it easier to cross the road, restricting motor traffic to single lanes, and creating segregated bike lanes or bus lanes.
Elsewhere, Cribbs Causeway could see far more space given over to pedestrians and turned into more of a local centre, as well as a regional shopping centre. Links between the University of West of England and Bristol Parkway train station could also be upgraded, with better pavements and bus routes, and new shops and cafes.
The council’s cabinet signed off the new masterplan during a cabinet meeting on Monday, October 10. Council bosses said the document would help growth while also addressing climate change.
Council leader Toby Savage said: “I’m pleased at the good level of response we had to the consultation and engagement process. It’s important to stress the role that we play in South Gloucestershire as the economic powerhouse of our region, and the role of the communities within the North Fringe in contributing to that status.”
Cllr Reade added: “This new vision will enhance a sense of place, maintain and drive the economy, and create a more sustainable transport network to reduce the dependency on cars within this area of South Gloucestershire. It will not only encourage growth but will protect and enhance existing communities, as well as address the climate and nature emergency.”
