What the Frome Gateway regeneration project is, what a regeneration framework is and how you can keep informed.
The Frome Gateway Regeneration project is a new project aimed at transforming the land either side of the River Frome in St Jude's, known as Frome Gateway, to better meet the needs of the city and the local community.
We want to:
- respond to city challenges, including:
- providing homes for Bristol's growing population
- the climate and ecological emergencies
- delivering workspaces for Bristol's growing economy
- improving public health and reducing inequalities
- promote and deliver the long term vision and strategy for change which the local community has shaped
- create a better environment for residents and businesses
Frome Gateway is located in St Jude's, Lawrence Hill. The area is north of Bristol City Centre and is bordered by Newfoundland Way/M32 to the west, Pennywell Road to the east, Houlton Street/Wade Street to the south and the north by Easton Way. The map below shows the full area.
image Frome Gateway regeneration area, view full size map (2.07 MB) .
The Frome Gateway regeneration area is currently home to a number of existing businesses, some of which have been located here for a long time. The area also includes a range of community and cultural facilities including Riverside Park and the River Frome, the Riverside Youth Project, Pennywell Studios and night-time venues such as the Jam Jar.
The Frome Gateway regeneration will be concerned only with the ‘core regeneration area' shown in the map above. This area will see significant change as land is brought forward to deliver new homes, workspaces and community facilities. The core regeneration area will also see improvements to public and green spaces and infrastructure to support growth in this area, such as Riverside Park.
Development proposals won't be brought forward in the ‘wider area of local context' as part of the Frome Gateway regeneration project, however it will be important for us to consider how new development in the core regeneration area works with, and is connected to, the surrounding area.
About the Frome Gateway regeneration project
We want to create a thriving neighbourhood with:
- new homes
- better community and public spaces
- improved green spaces, including the River Frome
- new job opportunities
Businesses play an important role in the life of the city and we want to create a mixed neighbourhood where homes and businesses co-exist.
As part of Bristol's One City Plan, we are committed to meeting the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including addressing poverty, inequality, health and wellbeing, and the environment, in order to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. The regeneration of Frome Gateway will be underpinned by these principles.
Why we're developing Frome Gateway
Bristol has a housing crisis, with over 20,000 households on the housing waiting list and over 1,400 homeless households in temporary accommodation.
The average house price is nearly twelve times the average salary and each privately rented home advertised receives over 300 enquiries.
By re-developing sites which have been previously developed (known as brownfield sites), we can build the new homes Bristol needs in a sustainable location while protecting greenspaces around the city, helping us to respond to the climate and ecological emergencies. Bristol also experiences inequality which is persistent in particular areas of the city and the Frome Gateway regeneration will bring targeted investment to the local area.
We're also developing Frome Gateway because:
- it's within walking distance to the city centre, and close to local jobs, shops and amenities
- bringing forward development here will help increase the use of Riverside Park, and improve access to nature including the River Frome, to support health, wellbeing, and biodiversity.
- some of the industrial units are empty or underused and can support new development such as new homes and community and employment spaces
- it has excellent public transport links and the opportunity to create new and more joined up walking and cycling connections, helping people to travel more sustainably
What a regeneration framework is
We have produced a Regeneration Framework to guide the long-term transformation of the area. Our ambition is for Frome Gateway to become a good example of a neighbourhood that is recognised for high-quality and sustainable design and construction, its unique identity and community spirit, and its ability to support communities to live healthy and sustainable lifestyles. We want the regeneration of Frome Gateway to be the city's most bold and ambitious response to the climate and ecological emergencies to date.
A regeneration framework is a document that brings together urban planning, transport and design thinking, with inclusive and sustainable growth, in order to guide change in an area.
It's there to make sure that:
- any changes to an area work well together
- all relevant stakeholders, such as residents and businesses, are working towards achieving the same long-term vision and strategy for change
- long-term change is co-ordinated across the area
The Frome Gateway Regeneration Framework was developed over a number of years and was greatly informed by contributions from the local community. A public consultation demonstrated substantial and broad support for the framework which was endorsed by Bristol’s Cabinet in February 2024.
The framework is used to:
- inform and shape planning applications, detailed designs and funding bids
- help determine planning applications as they are submitted
More information
Learn more about the project and find out how you can get involved by visiting our dedicated project website.