Community - Press Releases

Redcliffe & Temple BID secures £300k funding for improvements to Temple Way Underpass

The funding has been awarded from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), a government scheme which aims to support local authorities and community groups in the delivery of infrastructure projects.

14/03/2023

BID Lead

Tom Swithinbank

Email Tom Swithinbank

Redcliffe & Temple Business Improvement District (BID) has successfully secured £300,000 of funding to help deliver plans for the improvement and redevelopment of Temple Way Underpass in Broad Plain.

The funding has been awarded from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), a government scheme which aims to support local authorities and community groups in the delivery of infrastructure projects that enhance and develop specific areas within their catchment.

Following the successful application by the BID for CIL funding, £300k will be allocated by Bristol City Council for the regeneration plan for Temple Way Underpass to improve safety, appearance, and usability of this essential walking and cycling route. The underpass is a crucial link between Broad Plain and Old Market to the city centre, and for the Bristol to Bath Railway Path which runs through Castle Park and the Old City. The improvement plan will make it a safer, more enjoyable route for pedestrians and cyclists.

In recent years there has been extensive development of offices and residential buildings in Broad Plain and Old Market, and this investment and development of the area has further highlighted the requirement to improve the underpass. Redcliffe & Temple BID’s additional funding will boost the overall project budget provided by local developers, to enhance the area of those working and living there.

The BID will now work with the Old Market Community Association and other local stakeholders to support the council in making the changes needed to improve safety, and the perception of safety, in the area.

The redevelopment plan covers key aspects including improvements to the lighting and drainage, and adding artwork to the underpass itself, reflecting and representing the history of the local area and its historic church, Central (St Phillip and St Jacob), previously known as Pip n Jay. It is envisaged that this work will complement the longer-term ambition to add a pedestrian and cycle crossing over Temple Way near Avon Street.

Read the Consultation Report Here

To enhance this project and the awarding of this funding, Redcliffe & Temple BID are also planning to allocate money to installing a series of winter tree lights on the nearby Narrow Plain and Jacob Street to further improve the safety and welcome in this increasingly vibrant area.

In the longer term, the project team also plan to remove the spiral entrances at both sides of the underpasses, creating a much simplified and safer entrance. This aspect of the project will see the team work closely with the developers of One Temple Way who are committed to re-engineering the underpass entrance on their side.

Redcliffe & Temple BID Project Manager, Tom Swithinbank, said;

“We’re absolutely delighted that this funding has been allocated to our project. We acknowledged that this would be a key location for improvement as part of our Green Infrastructure Action Plan published in April 2022, and updated in February 2023, which sets out the BID’s plans for improving green infrastructure across the district, including greenery, seating, pedestrian and cycling access, so it great to see progression with this project.

“It has been fantastic to work with the Old Market Community Association, local developers and businesses to successfully tender for CIL funding. We look forward to advancing our ideas over the coming years.”

Read the Design Brief Report Here

Chair of Old Market Community Association, Paul Bradburn, shared his thoughts on the development of this partnership and the future for this area. He said;

“It is excellent news that the CIL funding has been allocated to this project. The area is changing very quickly, and the underpass is still a major route in and out of the city. We believe that this funding will really help to improve the underpass for all that use it.”

Steven Devine, General Manager of Leonardo Hotel Bristol City, located on Temple Way, added;

“This is great news, and we can’t wait to see how the plans take shape over the coming months. We have had a lot of guest and team feedback about how much more pleasant this underpass could be when traveling across the city, and I am sure it will be appreciated by visitors, residents, and workers in this rapidly expanding area of Bristol.”

Community - Press Releases

Redcliffe & Temple BID secures £300k funding for improvements to Temple Way Underpass

BID Lead

Redcliffe & Temple BID Project Manager, Tom Swithinbank, said;

Chair of Old Market Community Association, Paul Bradburn, shared his thoughts on the development of this partnership and the future for this area. He said;

Steven Devine, General Manager of Leonardo Hotel Bristol City, located on Temple Way, added;

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