Bristol’s King Street pedestrianisation works now completed

Bristol has taken another significant step forward with the completion of pedestrianisation works focused in and around King Street.

Beginning in October 2024, the scheme has since transformed the area, with improvements to walking, wheeling and cycling routes, as well as the installation of upgraded paving, drainage and accessibility infrastructure.

Other key improvements include:

• A new segregated cycle route linking Baldwin Street and Queen Square via Queen Charlotte Street
• Step-free crossings, dropped kerbs and tactile paving
• Upgraded drainage to help reduce flooding and pooling
• New paving, resurfaced roads and improved public spaces
• Additional cycle stands, seating, trees and planting

The King Street project comes as part of a wider plan to pedestrianise Bristol’s Old City in order to reduce pollution, improve safety and create more welcoming public spaces in the historic city centre. The £2.5million scheme has already seen the closure of certain roads in the area to traffic during specific parts of the day, providing more space for pedestrians and cyclists during busier periods.

Funding for the active travel project was granted following a successful bid from Bristol City Council, with investment provided by a partnership of the Transforming Cities Fund, Active Travel Fund 4 and the Economic Development Fund.

With the main construction works now complete, finishing touches, including the replacement and repair of cycle stands, will be delivered as part of the project’s final phase.

The improvements also include three new public art installations created as part of a programme of street scene and greening works across the city.

Comments

Cllr Ed Plowden, chair of transport and connectivity committee, said:

“King Street has always been one of Bristol’s most distinctive destinations, and with the completion of these improvements, we’re helping to ensure it remains a thriving and welcoming space for residents and visitors.

“By prioritising people over traffic, we’re creating a greener, safer and more accessible space that better reflects how residents and visitors want to use the city centre. This marks an important milestone in our programme to transform our historic Old City and brings us another step closer to realising our vision of a healthier, more connected and more sustainable Bristol.”