A renewed vision for The Galleries

Transformational proposals are being brought forward by Bristol-based developer Deeley Freed together with La Salle Investment Management, to comprehensively redevelop Bristol’s Galleries Shopping Centre.

A number of consultation events were held in July including a webinar, two walking tours and three exhibition days held at the Galleries. You can view the exhibition material here or visit the display boards which will remain up till the 15th August.

This is your chance to have your say, are we going in the right direction, have we missed anything or have you any concerns? You can do this by completing our feedback form or getting in touch. The consultation lasts until the 15th August.

Footfall in the centre is down 35% from pre-pandemic levels. A change in shopping patterns, accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, have led to a greater number of vacancies in the Galleries which has made the current centre’s future increasingly challenged.

The proposals look to create a truly mixed-use and diverse scheme with restaurants, shops, community facilities and leisure destinations that support the day and night-time economy, office space, a hotel, open market and affordable homes and student living. It will provide a complementary balance and range of uses that support the local community, boost the economy, address Bristol’s changing needs and priorities and ensure it continues to provide something for everyone.

The Galleries occupies five acres of the city centre. The intention is to convert 30% of this into high-quality public realm with new civic spaces and opportunities for urban greening. Broadmead currently turns it back on Castle Park which is a missed opportunity. The proposals look to reverse this along Newgate with new, vibrant pedestrian linkages into the city centre as well as terraces, with cafes and restaurants facing the park.

We’d like to emphasise that we are at an early stage and the Galleries will remain open as usual for at least the next two years. We’d encourage people to continue to shop and support their local traders.

Following the end of the consultation, we will review all the feedback and update the plans. We plan to host further events in October ahead of submitting our planning application early in the New Year.

Key principles

Reinvigorate the city centre

Creating a liveable, vibrant, safe and inclusive centre, with a diverse offer and animated public areas to stimulate activity and pedestrian flow, that provides something for everyone.

Environment, social and governance

Set the collective intention to build a community of social, environmental, political, economic and human hope at the heart of its vision, that is inclusive and responsive to local priorities.

Environment

Delivering a sustainable, low carbon development that improves air quality, boost local biodiversity, maximises green areas, and positively impacts on wellbeing.

Flexible and future proof

Provides a future-proofed scheme with adaptability and flexibility of uses being key for its long term sustainability.

Relink the city with Castle Park

Opening up the Galleries to Castle Park, with much improved connectivity and cafes and restaurants along Newgate facing the park.

Three levels of active frontages

The 10m level change across the site gives opportunity for interest, activity and access at multiple levels.

Maximum urban greening

Creating a scheme will deliver significant gains in biodiversity, as well as economic and social benefits arising from a "green" focused scheme. The scheme will lead to no tree loss.

Sustainable transport

Reducing car parking by 70% and replacing the remaining 30% with active and passive electric charging provision. Providing around 1,700 new bike spaces to serve the development and a new public cycle hub.

Creating new communities

Create a new community where people want to live, work and socialise; with new homes for all, a mix of market and affordable, starter, family, downsizing and student; that are designed to reduce climate impacts and energy costs. At least 20% will be affordable.

Proposed masterplan

Overview of the illustrative scheme - click to enlarge