Community leaders in Bedminster are calling on everyone living there to get together and turn ideas about how to support East Street into action.
The Action Greater Bedminster group are holding two workshops next week to come up with a plan to secure the future of ‘Bedminster’s High Street’, after a national High Street Task Force issued a report calling for community-led action.
The Government’s task force group produced a series of recommendations about how East Street can adapt, survive and thrive with the impact of the Bedminster Green regeneration scheme nearby.
Read next: 'Action needed' to save East Street from students and gentrification, Government tells council
More than 2,000 new homes are being built or planned along Dalby Avenue and Malago Road, including accommodation for around 1,300 students, and the High Street Task Force report said the council and the community needed to ‘act decisively now’ to protect the existing traders and create a thriving, community-led high street.
The recommendations include more community ownership, better cycling and walking routes, more green spaces, a greater mix of shops with a focus on independents and the establishment of a new ‘Community Investment District’, with a council-led community hub to act as a focal point to bring in more public services like healthcare
Action Greater Bedminster have been running a series of meetings, workshops and events this spring on the theme of ‘BS3 Beyond 2025’, looking at how Bedminster, Southville and Ashton can cope with more than ten thousand new homes being built in the area.
The next one, which comes after the publication of the High Street Task Force report, is on the theme of Bedminster’s retail health. It's called 'Bedminster's High Street: Delivering Thriving Places for All', and will be held on Tuesday, June 6. There are two events that day, both at Windmill Hill City Farm, the first is from 11am to 1pm, and the second from 6pm to 8pm, and people are invited to come along to get involved.
“The outcomes from the workshops will inform how different organisations work in and around East Street,” said Ellie Freeman, the chair of Action Greater Bedminster.
“The report suggest that ‘decisive action is needed now’ and a ‘watch it happen’ approach is ‘profoundly risky’. This report has lots of valuable suggestions and offers a key moment for everyone who lives near, works on, or visits East St to have a role in shaping a future for the street.
“We can all see that change is happening and now is the time to get involved,” she added. Places are limited on the workshops and booking in advance is encouraged - visit the Action Greater Bedminster website to find out more.
Read next:
Motorway closures to see some drivers face 100-mile diversion through Gloucestershire
Stranger reached in through car window to touch boy, 5, in front of mum on school run
No council review of Bristol's Clean Air Zone signs despite complaints
The St Pauls Carnival legend ready to bring Ghetto Force back
To keep up-to-date with the latest South Bristol news, join our community of subscribers with my South Bristol newsletter here.
