Changes to the plans for Bristol’s long-awaited arena – including road closures and extra trains for major events – have been announced.
The revised plans were this week submitted to Bristol City Council for approval following public consultation.
The council said there was strong support for the 12,000-capacity arena in the consultation. 
More than 86% of respondents fully or broadly supporting the plans with the same percentage suggesting that pop-up events and outdoor activities would help create a vibrant place.
Following the consultation, plans have been developed further to show how event spaces in front of the arena can be used for performances, outdoor cinema, festivals and markets.
Water jets will provide an area for play when events are not taking place and green terraces will create an informal seating area for picnicking or recreation.
A number of concerns were raised during the consultation around access to the arena site, the quality of pedestrian and cycle routes particularly from the south, traffic congestion and parking on residential streets. As a result some changes have been made to the proposals.
These include:
- A new widened cycle path and walkway from Three Lamps Junction on the A4 via a new bridge over the railway line to link with the Arena Terrace
- Park and Ride services for events of over 9,000 capacity (instead of 10,000 proposed in the consultation)
- Additional ‘shuttle’ trains to run between Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway station for the largest 12,000 capacity events to reduce the number of cars driving into the city.
- Cycle parking increased from 200 to just over 250 spaces
- Temporary road closures of Cattle Market Road and Albert Road between Stanhope St and Feeder Road for large events on weekday and weekend evenings to ease pedestrian and cycle access.
The council has also committed to putting funding aside to cover set-up costs of parking controls in vulnerable residential areas and extend the hours of existing RPS controls as necessary. Proposals will be worked up in consultation with local people so that controls can be in place by the time the arena opens.
Mayor of Bristol George Ferguson said: “The submission of the planning application is another significant step towards the delivery of this vitally important cultural venue for our city region. The consultation has demonstrated the strong support that exists for the arena, with some reservations regarding access and transport connections that we have listened to carefully, resulting in a number of changes being made to the plans. This includes further consideration of traffic and parking management and an improvement of pedestrian and cycle access from arena 3 Lamps Junction to the arena site, something that local residents were particularly keen to achieve.”
Head of the design team and senior principal of Populous, Nicholas Reynolds, added: “The design for Bristol Arena has evolved and grown in detail over the past few months. The simple, elegant form of the lower plinth and upper elipse brings to life the idea of ‘ground and sky’.
“This creates both a strong civic presence and a dynamic, reflective surface which responds to the surrounding landscape. During daylight the curving form and reflective cladding catch the light, changing with the weather and season; whilst at night, with the facade softly illuminated, the striking form is most evident, becoming a new landmark in Bristol.
“The extraordinary setting of Arena Island is brought to life through dynamic landscapes and a series of terraces that flow from river to park, and through village to a new public square, providing the platform for a whole range of outdoor events and community activities.”
Colin Skellett, chair of the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership welcomed the revised planning application.
He said: “The arena will add significantly to the cultural offering of the city and the region and will highlight the great quality of life and opportunity in the West of England.”
In addition to overall support for the arena, there was very positive feedback (85% fully support or broadly support) on creating a highly sustainable arena. Following consultation solar panels have been added to the roof of the arena further boosting the venue’s green credentials. The council is also working with the operator to make sure sustainable methods of transport are promoted to visitors.
The material for the upper façade of the arena has also been changed from glass cladding to perforated steel. This allows for a more subtle lighting effect that will have reduced light impact on neighbouring areas and has the potential to incorporate public art.
Two planning applications have been submitted to the council, a full planning application for how the arena will look and be accessed on the day it opens and an outline planning application for how sites adjacent to the arena could be developed over time.
Two public information sessions are being held this month with a presentation of the submitted proposals and an opportunity to ask questions of the project team:
Tuesday 8th December, 7pm – 8.30pm, Engine Shed, Station Approach
Thursday 10th December, 7pm – 8.30pm, Saltcellar Room of Totterdown Baptist Church
Further information will also be able at the Central Library from 1 December to 21 December and online at www.bristoltemplequarter.com/arena.
The submission of the planning application marks the start of a statutory consultation period that runs until January 11.
