Bristol Western Harbour: Talks begin on new plans starts

Bristol's mayor said there are currently 1,000 households living in temporary accommodation in Bristol, and building homes at the Western Harbour is a chance to address this

Early discussions have begun on the redevelopment of Bristol's harbourside.

The Western Harbour scheme would see a significant amount of new housing built and a change to the road network around the Cumberland Basin.

Mayor Marvin Rees said it is needed to address the city's housing crisis and said "doing nothing is not an option".

But the plans have proved controversial and many residents reacted angrily to a previous consultation.

Riverside Garden Centre is located in the centre of the development scheme.

Under the previous plans, Riverside Garden Centre owner Steve Shaw felt his business would be under threat as a proposed road could have gone through the site.

Mr Shaw said: "We're happy that things are being taken back to point zero and we're told cards are off the table and it's a fresh start.

"We've been clear right from the start we're not against progress, we're not against house building, there is potential here and if it can be realised - fabulous."

Mr Rees said he believes the Western Harbour is a good site to develop as it is a brownfield within walking distance of main entertainment parts of the city.

He said: "It takes pressure off the green belt and means we can put people in cycling distance or walking distance of the centre."

Mr Rees also pointed out that consultation must include people from right across the city, not just those living nearby, as he feels the harbour belongs to the whole city.

"If the harbour is truly a city asset, then engagement has to be truly a city engagement," he said.