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Every Bristolian has a few memories of Castle Park. It’s been the backdrop to sunny days spent chilling, playtime as a child, deep chats and fun times (and not-so-fun times). In the hustle and bustle of modern life, this green space often feels like a godsend in the City Centre. But once the site of Bristol Castle, Castle Park is also on the site of the original Saxon Settlement, as well as home to St Peter’s Church. So its historical importance cannot be undervalued either.
But the area could be due to some big changes in the near future. As part of the City Centre Development and Delivery Plan (DDP), which has set out a vision and strategies for the regeneration of Bristol city centre, Bristol City Council is looking to transform the areas of Broadmead and Castle Park. These new plans aim to transform these areas into somewhere “more inclusive, sustainable and connected”.
There are many new design elements to this revamped Castle Park, with objectives such as:
- A safe and welcoming place for everyone with a range of facilities and night time uses
- A key part of the identity of the city centre and waterfront and an important leisure destination for all people of Bristol
- A place which marries the park’s dynamic past to an exciting future
- Provides a unique experience for play, activity and events for all people
- Responds to the climate emergency and plays its part in enhancing biodiversity
Some of the proposed interventions include marrying the park’s past with its future, such as exploring ways it can repurpose St Peter’s Church, while celebrating its function as a memorial. While a floating boardwalk and floating reedbed between the ferry landings of Bristol Bridge with Castle Bridge has also been proposed. Other additions include new play areas, cycle routes, more entrances and connections between the park and surrounding areas, and an increase in biodiversity in the park. See here for the full plans of Castle Park.
You can currently give your feedback on this Castle Park Masterplan, which you can do so here. But you only have until October 1, 2023, to voice your opinions. Before then you will have an opportunity to discuss the DDP on a guided tour of Castle Park on September 6. You can learn more about that here.