Cotham Hill should be pedestrianised to help businesses survive, says a new campaign group.
Businesses and residents in the area are working together to persuade Bristol City Council to pedestrianise a section of the road in order to help businesses survive through the Covid-19 crisis while improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
Dan Williams, owner of Coffee + Beer, has been liaising with the council and other local businesses.
He said: “It is a golden opportunity for this vibrant and iconic street to become a flagship of pedestrianisation in Bristol.
"The suggested plans would definitely be safer for families, attract more shoppers, allow some alfresco dining options and encourage people to cycle or walk to work safely.
"The increased footfall would be a major bonus for the local independent businesses, including all the excellent hospitality businesses on the street that have been hit hard by the Covid-19 situation."
Dominic Borel, one of the owners of Pasta Loco, one of the most well-known restaurants along Cotham Hill, said pedestrianising the road would make a really big difference.
Mr Borel said their small restaurant is currently closed as social distancing guidelines mean they could only operate at 50 per cent capacity, adding the option to have some outdoor seating could help them make the business work.
He added: "I think it is a great idea and it would help us make some decisions moving forward.
"I think it would also be great for pedestrians as social distancing can not take place there and make it safer for people to walk around.
"If it could happen as soon as possible while the weather is still good, that would be great."
A spokeswoman for Falafel King, a Middle-Eastern restaurant towards the top end of Cotham Hill, said they supported the plans.
She said: "It would be really good to see the area pedestrianised. It would be vital in helping businesses thrive in this difficult time."
The plans are also supported by local residents and Harriet Brennan said that, for years, Cotham Hill has seen the encroachment of increasing two-way traffic, illegal parking and frequent speeding.
She added: "All forcing pedestrians and cyclists to tolerate a smaller and smaller space to travel, walk and shop. Safe distancing is not possible on this street.”
A limited amount of funding for walking and cycling improvements was made available in April, however, unlike some other local high streets, Cotham Hill was not included, said the campaign group in a statement.
Provisional proposals from the local businesses involved are for the road to be closed to vehicle traffic in the afternoon and/or evening so that deliveries can still take place earlier in the day.
The pedestrianised area would stretch from The Penny/Dragon Fountain to the Jubo Raj/Clic Sargent.
Clifton Down councillor Carla Denyer has also been supporting the project.
She said: “I’ve received an incredible number of emails over the last few months asking for more space for walking and cycling in Clifton Down ward, possibly more than I have received on any other topic.
"Most of these requests focused on Cotham Hill, because it is such a busy shopping street with narrow pavements and no way for people to do social distancing safely.
"It has been brilliant to see such widespread support, and to see businesses and residents working together on this."
The local councillor said the next steps were to secure in-principle funding from the council, refine the proposals in response to feedback from residents and businesses and then roll it out as fast as possible.
"As these temporary changes are to help with social distancing it is important that they go in soon," she added.
Sandy Murray, of Smith Maloney Architects, which has its practice nearby along Whiteladies Road, has produced the set of images to help bring the idea to life.
He said: “At Smith Maloney, our hope is that the catastrophic impact of the global pandemic can be used as a catalyst to transform the urban streetscape, allowing local communities and businesses to thrive whilst maintaining social distancing guidelines, whilst also promoting cleaner air and greener spaces.
"I believe that Cotham Hill could be a benchmark for the sustainable city streets of the future."
A Bristol City Council spokesperson said: “We have held an initial engagement session with businesses on Cotham Hill to understand their needs, with further meetings being planned to consider options."
