Plans for a new pontoon in the floating harbour have been announced by the council. The new pontoon at Capricorn Quay would see the number of mooring at the harbour increasing by 32.
The city's mayor Marvin Rees announced the plans on his blog, saying "significant investment is needed to keep the harbour running, and our plans for a new pontoon at Capricorn Quay are a step in the right direction". He said: "We are creating a large floating ecosystem combined with new moorings.
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"The increasing the number of moorings by 32 will provide additional income that will assist management of the harbour and its wider environment." Mr Rees wrote that the floating ecosystem would provide a large area of floating habitat that will be both visually attractive and functional. He wrote that it will transform this section of the harbour into a ‘living water park’, the subsurface forest of roots will provide shelter for fish and ideal feeding grounds, improving fish stocks.
"The new reed beds will create approximately around 1,000 square metres of habitat that as an ecosystem will improve water quality, support stronger fish stocks and provide haven for birds," he added. "Residents and visitors will experience an enhanced waterfront, with visible greenery and more contact with nature.
"The construction uses materials carefully selected for recycled content and only non-toxic materials are used. Once grown, the system is typically 60% living biomass and 30% marine engineered materials. The proposed pontoon is steel framed, it uses polystyrene marine floats with a hardwood deck-board finish.
"The pontoon will be connected to the existing bridgehead (formerly used by ferries), and accessible by a gated footway ramp to match the pontoons. There will be service pedestals and emergency cabinets (lifebuoy, fire extinguisher, etc) on the pontoon, and a floating washroom facility alongside the harbour wall."
Mr Rees wrote that the council is writing to local residents to make them aware of the planning submission and provide more information about the plans. Bristol City Council was approached for more information including the planning application details.
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