Geography Bristol

BRISTOL DOCKLAND QUATER DEVELOPMENT

BACKGROUND

Due to the arrival of big cargo ships, Bristol's dockland area went into decline because the ships couldn't fit through the Avon River. There was also a lot of competition from other docks such as Avonmouth and Portbury. Because of the lack of ships in the area, several industries were forced to shut down such as tobacco, sand dredging and lead shot- works. Therefore, the area was very run down and derelict but it also contained many listed buildings.

THE SCHEME

To address this issue, a renovation happened, starting with the redevelopment of the SS Great Britain. This restoration attracted lots of visitors and proved that the area could change. Another factor that made the area much more inviting for people and businesses was Lloyds TSB bank moving their headquarters to the docks. This was a spur for more businesses to move with them.

THE DEVELOPMENT

The whole project has been funded by lottery, public and private money, with the aim to create a new environment for housing, offices and leisure facilities. The addition of the IMAX theatre, science museum and Millennium Square has made the area one of the largest redevelopment projects in Europe.

SUCESSES

Over £3 million of inward investment Over 3000 new jobs An exciting cultural and social environment (cafes, restaurants, cinemas and shops) Development of the arts Sports and leisure facilities New museums (Industrial and Maritime Heritage museums) Festivals (Festival of the Sea) Preservation and utilisation of listed buildings.

FALIURES

Concerns of how the industry would fare in recession (the area relies on entertainment and that is what people would spend less on during recession) Criticism of the Millennium square (it's featureless and hasn't improved traffic congestion) The new houses are expensive and do not solve the need for social housing