The neighbourhood development plan 2015-2026
From the 1st of May 2013 to the 10th of December 2015, members of the association worked tirelessly to draft and submit what is called a Neighbourhood Development Plan. This document, linked below, essentially details what Old Market should look like to allow it to flourish. Many traffic conflict hotspots such as Old Market Roundabout, St Matthias Park etc. were evaluated and redesigned. This plan is due to be renewed in 2026 and as it was created in 2013 some of the details such as main bus routes (as seen below) are out of date; also the association accepts that the new plan may reverse or amend some proposed projects as Old Market has of course changed since 2013 and factors such as the Covid-19 pandemic have shed light on where improvements can be made. Essentially, "The Plan" is not set in stone.
Click on the image to view the full plan
the "old market quarter"
Old market quarter area
The red border shows the area the plan considered and covers.
the 7 neighbourhoods
The decision was made to include smaller communities such as The Dings and Newtown as often they are reliant on Broad Plain's high street and facilities. You can see the changes proposed in each neighbourhood using the 'Our Future' menu or the link above to the full document.
Broad plain
Old market street
Old market street
Old market street
Pavements and crossings would be widened to provide a tree-lined boulevard with ample space for events and outdoor hospitality. Bus stops would be realigned to the pavement, parking reduced and bus lanes improved. Long-term the roundabout would be replaced with a simple signal controlled crossroads.
Castle street
Old market street
Old market street
Ideally this street would have motor traffic restricted to provide a widened accessible east entrance to Castle Park with bike lanes and tree-lined pedestrian space.
Unity street
Unity street
Unity street
The creation of a public square on unity street and further access/housing improvements would create a less car-dominated. pleasant public space for all to enjoy.
Midland road
Unity street
Unity street
Housing developments and tree planting here would create a friendly space to live and work as well as travel through.
St Matthias park
A better park and area for all
Pedestrianised roads and bike lanes as well as remodelled junctions and improved green spaces have the chance to create a space people enjoy passing through and living near. Safety of active travellers would be improved with more segregation from cars and lighting - find out more about this campaign below.
St Jude's
Wade Street
Eugene Street
Eugene Street
Wade Street has become busier with the Clean Air Zone's introduction. There is ample opportunity here to slow traffic, widen pavements and improve/add housing.
The addition of a possible new bridge over the river this could become a thriving neighbourhood and hospitality destination again. See what's happening to improve the area below.
Eugene Street
Eugene Street
Eugene Street
trinity
Lawford ST and Gloucester lane
An increase in housing here would be welcome as the space is currently under-utilised and in demand. Hospitality venues would benefit from an increase in residents/patrons. Improved active travel has also been a priority for this area with a large number not owning cars - see what's happening below.
Newtown
Wider Newtown area
Back in 2014 it was decided that access needed to be improved to Newtown for vehicles but this changed in recent years with access being improved for cyclists and pedestrians to prevent rat running through the area.
Clarence road
Having reduced the number of lanes on Clarence Road, more housing and green areas would be able to be developed in an area which benefits from good public services and transport options.
Newtown park
Improvements to one of Old Market Quarter's main parks would ensure that it remains a popular summertime destination and an attractive way to enter the city sustainably, via the Bristol to Bath path. Improvements have already been made to the playground.
Waterloo
An invigorated high street
Plans were made to re-introduce two-way traffic here along with more bus lanes and bus parking, however it may be now that this is no longer a priority with the one way system reducing traffic and also providing bus stops for St Jude's residents. Essentially, the high street here would need to be energised through increased crossings, pavement and better public transport infrastructure. This would allow businesses and residents to enjoy the outside space and travel more sustainably.
