About the strategy, the strategy area, connected projects, timeline, and how to get involved.
About the strategy
Work started on the Harbour Place Shaping Strategy (HPSS) in summer 2023.
The HPSS will be a 20 year strategy to make Bristol's harbour:
- welcoming to all of Bristol's communities
- able to adapt to climate change and better support nature
- thrive economically, so the docks can become financially self-sufficient
The strategy will build on regeneration successes over the past 40 years. It will establish an ambitious and compelling vision which encourages landowners and other stakeholders to work together to make the harbour an even better place than it already is over the next 20 years.
Core to this will be the creation of a high quality harbourside and water space that can:
- better support Bristol's growing population
- comfortably cope with an increasing number of visitors
We know the harbour is a treasured part of the city with many visitors all year round.
The HPSS will help us identify the work we need to do over the next 20 years to make the harbour area a more enjoyable place to be, including improvements to the:
- harbourside
- water space
- activities and facilities available
There are three parts to the HPSS:
- Harbour Atlas: a detailed picture of the harbour as it is today
- Vision: ambitions for the future of the harbour
- Place Plans: how each of the six distinct areas around the harbour and the harbour's water space could play their part in achieving the Vision
We're currently consulting on the draft Vision and Place Plans.
The area of the city covered by the strategy
The HPSS focuses on Bristol's Floating Harbour from Junction Lock Bridge (near Underfall Yard) to Totterdown Basin (behind Temple Meads Station).
It includes the water space, harbourside, facilities and activities that take place within the area and contribute to the harbour being a much-loved place at the heart of our city.
The New Cut (River Avon), Feeder Canal or Cumberland Basin are not included within the strategy.
The harbour connects the central area's 3 main regeneration areas: Western Harbour, City Centre and Temple Quarter.
Projects already underway in the harbour
We're already working on some of the challenges and opportunities we've identified in the harbour.
Bristol's Heat Network
The City Leap Partnership has started installing Bristol's Heat Network, a new network of underground pipes that will provide affordable, low-carbon heat and energy across the city.
The Harbour has been identified as a source of sustainable energy, with England's largest water source heat pump installed at Castle Park. The Partnership is looking for more locations to install heat pumps, to serve Spike Island and the city centre.
Bristol Avon Flood Strategy
The harbour fulfils a vital practical and defensive function, managing water levels during extreme tidal and river flooding events.
We worked with the Environment Agency to develop the Bristol Avon Flood Strategy to improve the existing flood defence function of the harbour and the tidal regime in the River Avon New Cut.
Whilst the focus of these flood defence measures will be the River Avon (rather than the Floating Harbour), the HPSS will still need to understand the implications of flood risk to the harbour, outlining appropriate responses.
Swimming in Bristol Harbour
Following a successful pilot of safely managed swim sessions during 2023, All Aboard Water Sports now run regular professionally supervised weekend swim sessions within a segregated swimming zone in Baltic Wharf. Their website has information on when the swim sessions take place and how to book.
The swim sessions are dependant on water quality meeting bathing water standards.
Outside of these arrangements it is still illegal to jump into, swim, or dive in any part of Bristol Harbour without getting consent from the Harbour Master.
Floating habitat
Funding has been secured from WECA's Green Recovery Fund for a major new floating habitat opposite the SS Great Britain. Work began on installing this in June 2024.
The HPSS will explore further opportunities to make sure wildlife can thrive.
Timeline
- Winter 2024: the final report will be taken to the Skills and Economy Committee for their endorsement
- Autumn 2024: the draft report goes out for public consultation
- Spring and Summer 2024: Place Plan preparation
- Autumn and winter 2023: Community engagement to inform the preparation of Harbour Atlas and Vision
- Summer 2023: Procurement of design team
Get involved
The HPSS will have many opportunities for you to:
- have your say
- provide your ideas
- shape plans for this iconic space
To find out more and have your say, visit the Harbour Place Shaping Strategy website.
If you have questions or want more information, email harbourplaceshaping@bristol.gov.uk