News / Transport
Learnings ‘absorbed and embedded’ ahead of new liveable neighbourhood
An independent review by a public health researcher says that “communication clarity” is one element that could have been improved during the implementation of the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood trial scheme.
The ‘rapid review’ report was published on Thursday; the same day that a consultation on early designs for measures within the South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood was due to begin.
Other criticisms of the rolling out of the EBLN included “unclear connections between feedback and resultant changes to plans reduced accessibility and transparency” and that “some outreach was too close to implementation to be optimally impactful”.
is needed now More than ever
Positives included a “multi-phase co-design with structured, phased engagement over two years”, “tailored communications including videos, maps and travel planning sessions” and “evidence of community support for the scheme”.
Recommendations for future schemes include to start engagement “well before design with all stakeholder groups” and “where feasible, let communities initiate or lead schemes and aim (liveable neighbourhoods) at areas with (the) greatest support for them”.
The report says that “while EBLN engagement aligned broadly with national good practice, improvements in communication, transparency, and early and wider stakeholder group involvement could increase success and acceptance of future schemes”.
In conclusion, the report says each liveable neighbourhood in the future “should be tailored to its local context, with flexible, responsive and inclusive engagement at its core”.
In November 2024, a handful of Barton Hill residents prevented the implementation of liveable neighbourhood infrastructure – photo: Martin Booth
Chair of the transport & connectivity committee, Ed Plowden, said: “We want Bristol to be a place where our neighbourhoods are safe, healthy, inclusive and attractive places where everyone can breathe clean air, have access to green spaces, and feel a part of a community.
“This ambition can only be achieved through the involvement of communities in all phases of designing and delivering current and future schemes to bring about positive change for people.
“This is why we commissioned this rapid review over the summer so we could absorb and embed any learning into the next phase of the South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood scheme, and indeed all the work we do to try and improve our city.
“It’s right that the people of Bristol should expect high standards in how we deliver these schemes.
“By constantly self-reflecting and learning from our experiences and those of other cities, we hope we can earn the trust of communities and meet their expectations.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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