Calls to ban traffic in Bristol shopping centres
Traffic might be banned from two busy shopping streets running through Bristol's Broadmead shopping centre.
The Horsefair and Penn Street currently divide Broadmead from the newly opened £500-million Cabot Circus shopping mall.
A retail planning expert has suggested that the two streets – together with nearby Union Street – should have been pedestrianised when Cabot Circus first opened.
Now it has emerged that talks on closing two of the three streets have already begun.
If all vehicles were banned, it would involve re-routing several bus routes which currently run alongUnion Street, the Horsefair and Penn Street.
Broadmead manager John Hirst said preliminary discussions were being held about the change.
He said: "The proposal is being discussed. We are currently looking at options to reduce or remove traffic along The Horsefair and Penn street. This proposal is being discussed, but it is only at the initial stages. There are lots of different users that we must take into account."
Richard Saunders, of Bristol-based property agents Colliers CRE, said the streets should be closed if Bristol was to achieve its potential as one of Britain's best shopping destinations.
He said: "Cabot Circus was launched with much fanfare and has proved a great success. But we are in a recession and it is important that this centre presents the most attractive shopping experience that it possibly can in order to fend off the worse effects of the downturn.
"Penn Street is a busy road and is placed exactly where no one expects a road to be – especially when they are immersed in a shopping spree.
"The conflict is obvious. People are there in shopping mode, rushing around and diverted, and suddenly they are confronted by a major road carrying a large volume of vehicles. To say the least, it detracts hugely from the shopping experience and at worst, it is potentially lethal.
"I fear that until the entire inner-area is pedestrianised, Cabot Circus and Broadmead are never going to being viewed as one single, unified shopping destination. There is a very real 'us and them' feel, which is not conducive to creating a prestigious regional centre."
Mr Saunders called on Bristol planners and traffic managers to devise new routes to take buses, taxis and cars out of the central area and to create new bus stops on the main roads bordering it.
Cabot Circus opened last September and is one of the South West's largest shopping centres.
In total there are 15 major stores, including Harvey Nichols and House of Fraser, and more than 120 new shops – 20 of which are restaurants and cafes – alongside a cinema, 120-bed hotel, 250 homes, and office space.
Cabot Circus manager James Bailey said: "The Bristol Alliance worked closely with the city council since the early planning stages of Cabot Circus to create an enhanced transport system as part of the development masterplan.
"We will maintain ongoing discussions with our partners at the council to find the optimal solution to improve pedestrian access and traffic flow around Cabot Circus and the city centre."
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by Mike King, Whitchurch
Thursday, March 12 2009, 7:12AM
“"(ably displayed by your need to 'have the last word) " by Saddo Stan.
Who's the hypocrite now!?!
Let's see if you don't reply... Bet you do!"
George, Bristol
As Rob Said, "Hook, line and sinker"!!!!!!!
And as Stan said, "Quit while your losing George"!!!!!!”
by George, Bristol
Wednesday, March 11 2009, 11:43PM
“Funny you should think that Rob/Stan,(Re Samaritans) or whoever you chose to be tonight, as I was thinking the same thing about you. You seem troubled........
I think that people who use their car when public transportation/cycle is available are lazy, car-addicted petrol heads. I have only ever admitted to using my car to go to work when public transportation/cycling is not a viable option. I have never castigated people for using their car to drive to work under ALL circumstances. ... Therefore I know I am not a hypocrite as I don't drive when I can avoid it.... So there. Nothing has been proven, as you can only prove what is factually correct. I know I am not a hypocrite.
Back to you.
You have proven yourself to be a sad loner and an internet stalker, who relentlesses comes up with the same tried and failed lines in an attempt to make yourself feel good about yourself.
Maybe you are just filled with hate from a previous trauma or boring life or some other kind of resentment like childhood abuse (am I getting warm?). Something along these lines seems to be the case..
Hope you find a friend one day, and I don't mean on internet chat forums.....
Enjoy your life - if you ever find one. God bless your soul, anyway :) I'll pray for you”
by Alex, Redcliffe
Wednesday, March 11 2009, 9:40PM
“Totally agree with closing the roads to cars at least. People should have no need to drive into town as there is perfectly good public transport. I always see people sitting in traffic on Union St and think is it really worth it to get in to town? I appreciate that there is hardly any safety issue, but Broadmead/Cabot Circus would be much nicer if it was closed to cars.”
by Rob Jones, Knowle
Wednesday, March 11 2009, 7:49PM
“You need help George. Try the 'Samaritans'.”
by Steve, Bristol
Wednesday, March 11 2009, 7:32PM
“No-one seems to have commented on the main reason for the proposal, which is that very often pedestrianisation boosts retail trade. That, I imagine, is why they're proposing it. It's not anti-car, it's pro-shopping!”
by Rob Jones, Knowle
Wednesday, March 11 2009, 5:53PM
“Aaaarhhhhh, someone let me out of Stan Fermunder's mind.. He keeps on making me say things, I don't want to be his mental friend!!!
P.l.e.a.s.e. h.e.l.p. m.e..”
by Rob Jones, Knowle
Wednesday, March 11 2009, 5:46PM
“Sorry, I disagree. Stan has shown George up to be a hypocrite. However long ago George made those statements, and how or why he has them is irrelevent. He's proved it! The fact that he said about George always wanting the last word, and George replying is classic! Reeled in hook, line and sinker.
George has had a 'verbal good hiding'. In fact, you aren't George with another nom de plume are you?”
by Harvey Dent, Brislington
Wednesday, March 11 2009, 5:27PM
“You reckon, Rob? I'd say Stan is making a right fool of himself, and the stalking of George from 2 months ago? What's all that about.
George has him pinned..
Face it Stan, you lost this one good and proper.”
by Rob Jones, Knowle
Wednesday, March 11 2009, 5:05PM
“Hard luck George. Stan Fermunder has tucked you up like a kipper!!”
by George, Bristol
Wednesday, March 11 2009, 4:56PM
“"(ably displayed by your need to 'have the last word) " by Saddo Stan.
Who's the hypocrite now!?!
Let's see if you don't reply... Bet you do!”