Knight Frank comment: Local businesses should make their voices heard over new South Bristol Link20th August 2012

Local businesses must make sure they have their say on plans for the route of the new South Bristol Link, according to
Russell Crofts, industrial partner at Knight Frank in Bristol. Mr Crofts said the plan for a new road to link the A370 near Long Ashton Park and Ride with the Brookgate end of South Liberty Lane at Bedminster Down will have a massive impact on the area.

“There are many important businesses, warehouses and industrial units in the South Liberty Lane area and the way these businesses are able to operate will be changed if the plans go ahead.

“We believe the new South Bristol Link will bring great benefits to the southern half of the city, improving access to markets and employment, but businesses in the South Liberty Lane area should understand the full extent of the impact on the existing estate roads.

“These business areas function in a manner that the older style of layout allows them to do, with many businesses loading from the roadside. The proposals put forward by the local authorities will undoubtedly improve accessibility and provide an opportunity to have a re-think about how this area of the city is affected by traffic. Modern businesses have very different requirements from those envisaged when this are was originally planned, and higher volumes of traffic could impinge on the way these roads are used.

“While the formal consultation period has closed, we urge local businesses to contact the project team to ensure their needs are understood.

“This is a critical improvement for South Bristol, and we all have a responsibility to ensure it is completed in a way that enhances our city.”

Details of the proposals can be seen at www.travelbristol.org