Earlier this week Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands presented its draft masterplan for Bristol’s Western Harbour setting out proposals for the city’s western gateway. The area is one of the most iconic places in the UK with supreme views of the Avon Gorge and Clifton Suspension Bridge and its spectacular harbour infrastructure, recognisable by the three huge, listed Bonded warehouses. A period of public engagement is currently underway, running until 9^th March, to gather views and feedback.

Our Founding Director, Alex Lifschutz says: 

“We are tremendously excited about the future of this amazing place. Incredible engineering artefacts exist within the development area – the historic dock gates, the double decker Ashton Avenue Bridge, Plimsoll and Junction swing bridges, Brunel’s lock and Swivel Bridge. 

We want to make the area more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. We will vastly improve the green open space and waterside walks, planting hundreds of trees and improving ecology, at the same time installing flood defenses to protect against the effects of climate change.

This plan builds on the assets of Western Harbour and surrounding communities, creating a dynamic place that will encourage movement through beautiful landscapes.”

The masterplan proposes between 750 and 1200 new homes, addressing Bristol’s acute housing need – many will have supreme views of the Avon Gorge and Clifton Suspension Bridge. The Bonded warehouses will be upgraded and repurposed as improved Bristol archives open to the public and as loft homes. Pedestrian and cycle routes and greenspaces between the buildings will transform the area from a car-dominated to people-friendly place. A single tree lined road will replace the tangle of ramps and routes that cover much of the 33-hectare area at the westernmost end of Bristol’s Floating Harbour – removing the equivalent of 5 football pitches of tarmac.

Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council, says: “The Grade II-listed bonded warehouses, with refurbished and repurposed interiors, remain the dominant features of the skyline to the west of the city.”

Councillor Andrew Brown, Chair of the Economy and Skills Committee and Harbour Committee, says:

“By bringing together the well-established assets, heritage and communities in the area with a mix of new shops, cafés, cultural uses, creative workspaces and homes we can create a vibrant and sustainable neighbourhood.’’

The project is funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority through the Investment Fund, administered by the Mayoral Combined Authority.

To watch a film on the masterplan & location, please click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVl1Fjb7-_k&t=11s