Updated plans for the redevelopment of Broadwalk Shopping Centre revealed
Residents have until 8 July to comment
Main image: A sketch of an eye-level view of Redcatch Quarter from Redcatch Park. Picture Keep Architecture Ltd.
After almost six months of consultation – updated plans for the £150 million redevelopment of Broadwalk Shopping Centre were unveiled at a public meeting last week.
The proposals for the newly named Redcatch Quarter aim to “transform the 1970s car dependent centre” into a “vibrant, friendly, and walkable destination suitable for the 21st century”.
The amended plans revealed by the Redcatch Development Partnership on Friday (24 June) will involve knocking down the existing centre to provide around 800 sustainable new homes, shops and a neighbourhood cinema – which will be the only one in South Bristol once Hengrove closes.
There will also be a Community Hub which will include a new library along with a café and restaurant area with views of Redcatch Park. A local supermarket, pharmacy, post office and dentist will also be an essential part of the scheme.
The Partnership says the updated proposals respond to the “constructive feedback received from our nearest neighbours, stakeholders, our ward councillors, technical consultees, and the wider community.”
They say following feedback, the plans now include the cinema, as well as a “comprehensively designed layout and more engaging and attractive entrance into Redcatch Park.”
Due to fears of the development overwhelming the park, the original single block has been replaced with three “finger blocks” which the Partnership says will reduce the massing and improve the elevation – containing living walls to soften the structures.
Another concern has been that neighbouring houses will be overlooked but the developers say changes have been made including height reduction in key areas and change of orientation as well as “stepping back the upper floors”.
Project manager, Francis Hilton, said: “We are very grateful to local people for the feedback they have provided, which has been instrumental in informing the proposals.
“We look forward to continuing to work with local people, stakeholders, and Bristol City Council to help realise the potential to create a thriving and bustling heart for Knowle that improves the vitality of the town centre and celebrates the distinct identity of the local area.”
The development will also feature a pedestrianised high street linking Redcatch Park with Wells Road containing planted areas.
As well as the buildings having green roofs and living walls – the new homes will use also use 75 per cent less energy than the average new home.
Developers say the new Redcatch Quarter has been also been designed for greener transport – with residents and shoppers encouraged to come on foot, by bike or by bus.
Local people will have the opportunity to comment on the updated plans before the consultation period formally closes on Friday 8 July. Proposals are due to be submitted to Bristol City Council towards the end of the month when there will be a further chance to give opinions via the council planning portal.
To view the full plans and have your say visit www.redcatchquarter.com. You can also comment by emailing hello@redcatchquarter.com, calling 0117 441 4004 or by Freepost Cratus Communications (no further address or stamps needed).
