The next phase of work on Centre Promenade, which will see a new surface for the cycleway that runs alongside the central public space, will start on Monday 9 June 2025.
The wider project to improve Centre Promenade is well underway, with a new, flat surface installed between the Neptune statue and the Cascade Steps, cladding added to five raised tree planters, and platforms for traders created on three sets of steps that run alongside Broad Quay.
The current paved cycleway will be replaced with a black tarmac surface, to make it stand out more to pedestrians and cyclists alike. The stone blocks that are being taken out will be stored and reused.
The section of the route that will be resurfaced goes from the Cascade Steps, past the Neptune Statue, over Baldwin Street, running parallel with St Augustine’s Parade and finishing at the Colston Avenue crossing.
The updated cycleway will also feature four crossing points for pedestrians, refreshed white lines, and large white bike symbols painted throughout. These white lines and bike symbols will also be repainted further along the cycleway from the Cascade Steps to the Prince Street bus stop.
Councillor Graham Morris, Vice Chair of the Transport and Connectivity Committee, said:
It’s great that we’re moving onto the next phase of works, which I am sure will be popular with many. The cycleway through this part of the centre has long been a site of conflict, with pedestrians often walking along it or across it without realising it’s not a footpath.
The new black surface and white lines will stand out, and we have the option to return later and add a red high friction surface, which is set to be trialled elsewhere in the city. This will allow us to see the results of the trial, and how effective the black surface is, before committing to further works at Centre Promenade.
The resurfacing work is expected to take four weeks to complete. While it takes place, sections of the cycleway will be closed and cyclists will need to dismount in the areas that are being resurfaced.
This work is part of the wider project to revitalise Centre Promenade, which includes creating a large-scale artwork, designed by artist Oshii, that will be painted on the new, flat surface throughout the central public space. Remaining work also includes installing two sunken flowerbeds in part of the former fountain space, adding planters and seating, and planting five trees.
Councillor Andrew Brown, Chair of the Economy and Skills Committee, said:
Thank you once again for bearing with us while we carry out these works that will make the centre a much more useable space for events, the harbour market, and the many people passing through.
Centre Promenade improvement project is being funded by Bristol City Council.
The council is working with Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District and Bristol Legacy Foundation on the artwork project. This is being delivered as part of the City Centre and High Streets programme funded by Bristol City Council and West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.
To find out more and keep up to date with the works, visit www.bristol.gov.uk/centreprom.