A popular street in Redland could be pedestrianised under new plans to close the road to cars. Chandos Road could be closed to traffic, making more space for cafes, pubs and restaurants to install outdoor seating.
The plans to pedestrianise Chandos Road follow a successful scheme nearby on Cotham Hill, which was closed to traffic in April last year. The Cotham Hill scheme was initially temporary, but council chiefs have revealed it will now be made permanent.
More details of the plans for Chandos Road should be made available early next year, when Bristol City Council consults the public on the scheme. Works needed to close the road to cars would be funded by the West of England combined authority.
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Councillor Don Alexander, cabinet member for transport, said: “The trial pedestrianisation of Cotham Hill was a huge success and has shown how popular pedestrianisation schemes can be. I’m pleased to announce that we secured funding to make the Cotham Hill pedestrianisation permanent and that we will now look to introduce a similar scheme for Chandos Road in Redland.
“I very much hope and expect the success of Cotham Hill pedestrianisation can be replicated with Chandos Road. The Chandos Road Festival shows the street thrives when it’s closed to cars. I hope that by doing this, we can bring the same benefits the festival does all year round. As well as opening up more space for the street’s traders, this will also free up the road for pedestrians and cyclists and create a new active travel route through Redland.”
The designated high street is known for having many independent cafes and restaurants, but the street also has very narrow pavements and a lack of bicycle parking. The road hosts one of Bristol’s biggest street parties, the Chandos Road Festival, which returned this September after a two-year break due to the pandemic.
Cllr Alexander added: “The scheme will go to consultation once signed off by the West of England combined authority. I’m very grateful to the local community for bringing this opportunity to my attention. I have recently met with local residents who voiced their support for the proposals and I’m hopeful their views reflect those of the wider community.
“As we move forward with the proposals, the details of the scheme will be designed with the local community. I would strongly encourage all local residents to make their voice heard and respond to the consultation when it’s published, whether they support the proposals or not.”
