550-home mixed-use redevelopment at Broadwalk Shopping Centre, Bristol

“13-Apr-26 OFFICIAL 2.2 The land is currently in a mix of uses but is predominantly in use as the Broadwalk Shopping Centre; a retail centre with over 30 shops, leisure and entertainment uses and food outlets. Offices and a public library are located the southeastern extent of the site, at the corner of Broad Walk with Wells Road. A multi-storey car park is located in the western part of the site and car parking is also provided at roof level above the Shopping Centre.”

“The main pedestrian entrance to the Shopping Centre is at the corner of Broad Walk with Wells Road. The site is designated within the Knowle Local Centre and as a Primary Shopping Area in the Council's Site Allocations and Development Management Policies (July 2014). Redcatch Park is designated as Important Open Space.”

“The application was advertised by the erection of a site notice, and advert in a local newspaper, and by writing to 357 neighbouring properties. As a result six objections have been received from local residents, 32 letters of support and two neutral comments.”

“The protection of nature and improvements to the natural environment should be central to the design of the development (see section 16). • The height of the proposed development would be visually overwhelming (see section 13). • The Silver Birch currently growing by the old library should be saved and planted elsewhere – OFFICER COMMENT: No objections have been raised by the Council’s arboriculturalist, and any tree lost will be mitigated at the reserved matter stage).”

“The reduction in scale and density across the site, from approximately 850 residential units to fewer than 550 - is a significant and welcome improvement. In particular, we wholeheartedly support the substantial changes to the park boundary. The previous scheme proposed three tall storey residential blocks built up to, and effectively overshadowing, Redcatch Park. This caused widespread concern among park users and our committee.”

“13-Apr-26 OFFICIAL However, we also acknowledge that the retail market has changed exponentially and no longer supports shopping centres of the scale and type that Broadwalk once represented, particularly as one of the first centres of its kind.”

“An update report confirmed that no objection had been received from the Environment Agency. • The scheme included 9.8% affordable housing. In response to members’ questions on the application, officers made the following comments/clarifications: • It was confirmed that although the revised scheme would deliver fewer overall dwellings, the 9.8% affordable housing offer had been independently viability tested and agreed as reasonable.”

“Members noted the evolution of the scheme since outline permission, welcomed the strong consensus between the community, councillors, and developer, and highlighted the need for certainty and investment for local businesses. • Members described the proposal as an exemplary scheme, welcoming the strong collaboration between stakeholders. Early engagement and responsiveness to local needs were highlighted as positive features.”