News / Transport
Hundreds say high street should be pedestrianised
Hundreds of petitioners say a high street near Bristol Temple Meads should be pedestrianised.
The railway arches along Oxford Street in the Dings are home to two microbreweries, a bakery and a pasty shop, and are a popular place to get a post-work pint.
But the pavement along the arches is narrow and often blocked by parked cars or vans.
The road is also wide but little used by drivers.
A growing campaign is now calling for a revamp of that section of Oxford Street, turning the area into a “vibrant, people-friendly high street”.
So far more than 800 people have signed a petition calling for the changes.
The railway arches along Oxford Street are home to a variety of small businesses – photo Alex Seabrook
The street is in the middle of the Temple Quarter regeneration area, which stretches from west of the train station and east along St Philip’s Marsh.
Thousands of new homes will be built in the area soon.
The petition is calling for recognition of Oxford Street as a local high street, safer street design with more space for outdoor seating and trading, and renovating of other railway arches.
The campaign is being backed by Bristol’s Business Improvement District.
The BID’s website states: “With a strong mix of independent food, drink and hospitality venues, there’s a real opportunity to build on what’s already happening here.
“These changes would help transform Oxford Street into a vibrant, people-friendly high street at the heart of Temple Quarter, a space where people want to spend time, not just pass through.”
The petition is calling for safer street design with more space for outdoor seating and trading – image: the Urbanists
Oxford Street would be made one-way for cars, in order to reduce traffic but still keep access for local workers and residents.
Independent businesses in the arches include Little Martha Brewin, Forest Bakery, the Pasty Emporium and Unwin’s Brewery.
The plans are similar to recent changes elsewhere in Bristol, like Princess Victoria Street in Clifton Village and Cotham Hill.
On both these streets bollards were put up and part of the road was reallocated as space for pedestrians and outdoor cafe seating.
To sign the petition, www.change.org/p/make-oxford-street-your-local-high-street
Main image: the Urbanists
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