The first image has been released of how the Western Harbour development could look in the future.
The artist’s impression of the project was included in a video highlighting key development schemes planned for Bristol ahead of the mayor’s annual State of the City Address on Wednesday (October 16).
Bristol City Council revealed three options to transform the “ugly road network” around the Cumberland Basin and turn it into a housing development called ‘Western Harbour’.
The existing road system, which links Hotwells and Spike Island to the A4 and the A370, features bridges and flyovers built in the 1960s, which the council says is now in need of significant investment.
Council chiefs also want to take the opportunity to free up land in the area for up to 2,500 new homes for Bristol, as the city faces a huge housing and homelessness crisis.
But the options which were put forward for public engagement have proven controversial - not just with Historic England which has publicly expressed its concerns over the plans - but local residents and opposition councillors.
During his address on Wednesday Mr Rees said the Western Harbour project was central to his ambition to build an average of 2,000 homes a year by 2020 including 800 affordable,
He said: “How and where we build homes will be one of the biggest determinants of our climate impact over the coming years.
“Western Harbour represents around 2,000 homes within a seven minute bike ride and 25 minute walk of the city centre.
“It is also an opportunity to introduce flood defence at the same time and in sympathy with the development, life being brought into the city centre to support the retail offer and that of North Street and the opportunity to turn the waterfront into a city destination accessible to all.”
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