Oxford Street Bid, Bristol
Developing a vision to transform Oxford Street into a vibrant, healthy urban high street.
Project information
Client
Bristol BID
Location
Temple Quarter, Bristol
The Challenge
Bristol BID reached out to The Urbanists to develop short- and long-term proposals to make Oxford Street a destination for pedestrians and boost the local economy. Surrounded by recently completed commercial and student accommodation blocks, alongside the newly finished University building and recently expanded Temple Meads, Oxford Street is uniquely positioned as a vibrant independent street that has the potential to become a destination in its own right.
Our Role
We undertook an analysis of land use, ownership, footfall and local context to help us develop a vision to transform Oxford Street into a vibrant, healthy urban high street that serves Temple Quarter’s growing residential community. Working closely with Oxford Street’s independent businesses, Forest Bakery, Full Court Press, Little Martha Brewing, The Pasty Emporium, and Unwin’s Brewery, we hosted a public consultation during the East Bristol Brewery Trail to shape our long-term proposals. Our proposals directly tackle anti-social behaviour and prioritise active travel by introducing a one-way, shared surface paving scheme that increases pedestrian and cyclist safety. To help businesses grow and create an attractive day-to-night destination, the scheme extends arch frontages by up to three metres for outdoor trading by utilising planted parklets, SuDS rain gardens, contemporary lighting, and a distinct Oxford Street brand informed by a public art strategy.
The Outcome
We produced a series of plans and visuals demonstrating a vision that gained much support from the public and recognition across social media and local news outlets. So far, the BID’s petition for the local authority to implement the scheme has surpassed the required number of signatures required to enter into Policy Committee Debate.
