News / Western Harbour
An alternative vision for the Western Harbour
A three-dimensional artist and designer has come up with his own vision for the Western Harbour development which he hopes will “bring meaningful improvements to the local community”.
Jem Grimshaw says that his alternative to Bristol City Council’s recently released masterplan is “a concept driven by lived experience, local knowledge and a desire to contribute to a better more community-aligned vision”.
Grimshaw’s proposals for the area around the Cumberland Basin include townhouses, larger family homes and warehouse-style apartments which he hopes will “create a more varied and inclusive community, rather than a transient population of renters in identikit high-rise blocks”.
is needed now More than ever
The existing bonded warehouses have inspired Grimshaw’s own architectural style but he envisages the area encompassing parts of Hotwells and Spike Island split into distinct districts and tackled by a roster of smaller developers in order to create “a more interesting mixed urban design”.
Grimshaw has taken the approach favoured by former Bristol mayor Marvin Rees and removed Plimsoll Bridge, opening up land for new public spaces on either side of the river.
Jem Grimshaw says that Western Harbour “presents a significant opportunity for Bristol to enhance its waterfront, restore its historical character, and create a thriving and well-integrated community”
In the eye-catching proposals, Grimshaw has returned Ashton Avenue Bridge to a double-decker crossing with the upper level dedicated to road traffic; restored Brunel’s currently unused swing bridge; and created a new bascule bridge helping traffic flow from the Portway and up to Clifton via Joy Hill and Granby Hill.
He has designed a small amphitheatre with a maritime-themed tower that he envisages could host performances, with two circular landmark buildings which could become a swimming pool and community centre, two things the area used to have but has not had for many years.
Ashton Avenue Bridge would return to its original two levels in the proposals
“I grew up in Windsor Terrace, overlooking the Cumberland Basin and the Mendip Hills, and returned over a decade ago to live in the same house where I was raised,” explains Grimshaw.
“My earliest memories are rooted in this area – watching ships pass under the Clifton Suspension Bridge and through Brunel’s lock gates, exploring the sand yard, and being part of a close-knit Hotwells community centred around the Hope Centre.
“My father, a civil engineer and founder of Sustrans, spent his career advocating for well-considered infrastructure- campaigning against damaging road schemes and designing safe, accessible routes for pedestrians and cyclists.
“He experienced firsthand how the 1960s dual carriageway fragmented the Hotwells community and has long warned of the consequences of poor planning decisions made without local understanding.”
Jem Grimshaw’s proposals are in response to the current draft masterplan for the area which he says is “deeply disappointing”
Grimshaw added: “During lockdown, I found myself reengaging with the area – walking the basin daily, talking with my father about its design and reflecting on its future.
“As a 3D artist and designer, this naturally led to a 3D modelling project to reimagine the space in a way that reflects its historical importance, geographic constraints and potential for positive transformation.
“What I’ve developed is not a formal planning proposal but a concept driven by lived experience, local knowledge and a desire to contribute to a better more community-aligned vision.”
Grimshaw’s proposals see the removal of Plimsoll Bridge but the construction of a new bascule bridge
According to Grimshaw, “the current road infrastructure is failing – inefficient, polluting and out of scale with its surroundings”.
“I believe we now have an opportunity to reimagine this space with smarter traffic solutions, increased housing, enhanced public realm and respect for the area’s heritage – all delivered affordably and with minimal disruption”.
He hope that his “practical and locally sensitive alternative… can serve as a constructive contribution to the ongoing discussion and a catalyst for rethinking what’s possible for this vital part of Bristol”.
A small amphitheatre with a maritime-themed tower could host performances
Following the release of the official draft masterplan in February, a survey was opened to gather feedback.
These public comments will be considered by the masterplan team as they finalise proposals before the masterplan is due to be considered by the council’s economy & skills committee in the summer or autumn.
All images and video: Jem Grimshaw
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