A gym, bakery, and a deli could be opening in Bedminster as part of a multi-million-pound revamp of St Catherine's Place shopping centre.
A number of independent retailers are in discussions to open as part of a huge regeneration scheme of the area that will cost £50million if plans are approved.
Bristol Loaf, which runs a café-bakery in Redfield, is in talks to open its second eatery in the shopping centre as is a local food retailer, an independent Bristol-based coffee shop group, local deli and a gym.
The existing shopping arcade is run down and has a number of empty units, but under the proposals the centre will be upgraded with new shops, a central public square and leisure space, according to Business Live.
The discussions are taking place ahead of planning approval by Bristol City Council for the massive mixed-use development, which also includes 200 homes and leisure facilities.
Developer Firmstone has also proposed a £3million three-screen cinema with a café-bar, which will be run by independent Scott Cinemas - the owners of Orpheus Cinema in Henleaze.
Firmstone has already built 54 flats in old office building Catherine's House as part of the wider scheme.
Francis Firmstone, director of Firmstone, said: "We are delighted to have the support of hundreds of Bedminster-based businesses who can clearly see the enormous advantages and investment this large-scale regeneration project will offer.
"The level of interest from Bristol-based food and drink retailers and operators - particularly at this early stage ahead of planning approval - shows just how much potential and excitement there is about a newly refurbished shopping centre and the regeneration of Bedminster as a whole.
"St Catherine's Place has struggled to thrive for many years. Our proposals will protect this vital community asset and boost the whole of Bedminster - helping to keep local spend in the area, as well as providing a really attractive place for people to meet and socialise.
"Whilst countless major retail brands close their doors across the country, our plans will secure the centre's future for generations to come and act as a crucial focal point for the local community as well as attracting new people to visit - bringing significant economic investment."
Simon Dicken, chairman of the Bedminster Business Improvement District, says the redevelopment will "mark the start of an exciting evolution for Bedminster" and the surrounding area.
“St Catherine's Place Shopping Centre has been an unloved space in Bedminster with unrealised potential for many years," he said.
“Firmstone's £5million plans promise a new lease of life to both businesses and the community along with vital new homes which the council would freely acknowledge are needed in a central location in Bristol to ensure sustainability now and into the future.
"The exciting development will also support the growth of the creative and technology sectors using this vibrant and unique centre as a preferred location as opposed to distant office parks. This development could be the first step in transforming the area.”
The plans for St Catherine's Place form the gateway to Bedminster Green, according to the developers.
A framework has been agreed by all the developers involved in Bedminster Green, and endorsed by the council, to guide development there, with the potential for the area to deliver around 2,000 new homes.
The revised application for the scheme is expected to be decided on by the local authority in November.
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