A piece of East Street Masterplan’s regenerative strategy is set to be realised following the receipt of funding for a pilot scheme.

A shortlisted contestant in this year’s 2022 Festival of Place Awards within the Future Place: Public Realm category, the masterplan is direct response to expected population increases in support of a more thriving public domain for one of Bristol’s most historically significant streets.

Michael Cowdy, McGregor Coxall’s UK Director, applauded the commitment of the Bedminster BID and East Street’s community in pursuing progressive outcomes.

“East Street’s prosperous future comes today at the hand of firm commitments by an entire community,” he said.

“We are delighted to bring part of East Street’s vision to life and are thrilled for the wider project team on achieving such an outcome. We look forward to working with the community in realising progressive change for the future.”

With the planned development initiating an expected population increase, the Placemaking and Public Realm Masterplan strategy proposes people-friendly streets, local art-led projects, the relocation of bus services, active transport connections, the restoration of listed buildings and urban greening.

The pilot implementation of East Street Masterplan focusses on place activation interventions characterised by creative lighting, façade and groundscape art, and reduced bus lane widths through redefining the pavement edges via painted surfacing and planters. This intervention also increases space for outdoor seating and dining space for businesses and visitors.

The pilot will become a focal point for East Street, a vehicle for future development growth that engenders ownership and pride within the Bristol community.

East Street’s linear arrangement of vegetation and nature-based drainage solutions actively mitigate climate change drivers, establishing a more attractive, comfortable street environment for residents and visitors.

An adaptable public realm approach seeks to unlock the thoroughfare’s latent economic potential, accommodating flexible tenancies fit for a healthy day-night economy.

Following detailed design, construction is set to take place in late Autumn 2022