After three consultations on Western Harbour (aka the Cumberland Basin) in the last five years, we are moving towards the master-planning stage. The consultation by the masterplan project team outlines what the masterplan will cover, and explains the balances it will aim to strike. (The rest of the Harbour was the subject of another concurrent consultation.)
The Society has responded. We do not feel that heritage is being given sufficient priority. We were keen to emphasise that this area is part of the urban landscape for the whole city, and this is vital to our post-industrial identity as a city-wide community, a visitor experience for people from Henbury as well as Bordeaux.
Key points from our response, using the headings of the consultation, are:
- Road alignment: It is explained that “rather than looking at new crossings, we are exploring keeping the main strategic route in its current location”. There are mixed views in the Society. The public does not have full information to assess the options.
- Flood defences: At some points the flood defences will be very intrusive. It is important that the masterplan includes realistic on-the-ground visualizations and even walk-through videos.
- Connectivity: The analysis needs further development work.
- Green space: We support the proposal not to build on Ashton Meadows and the adjacent riverside area. We support new greening on Harbour frontages, as long as it does not compromise other uses or the dockland character.
- New homes: We seek medium-rise development, with no development taller that the bonded warehouses, with ground floor activation, and investment in enhanced community facilities.
- Heritage: There should be a separate section on Heritage. We do not feel that it is being given sufficient priority. The scheme should make the most of the heritage assets. The public space for residents and visitors alike must retain its dock feel.
- Vibrant mix of uses: There needs to be a balance between quality and quantity of activity in this area, this is not the city centre. The need to retain ‘places to be’ is important.
- Delivery: There is an opportunity for considering community-led delivery, such as a development trust. We think it is important that this opportunity is explored now.
2022 ‘Harbour Hopes’ vision response
2023 Historic England response
Western Harbour heritage assets
Alan Morris