Recent proposals by the Bristol City Council have caused an uproar among city residents after unveiling plans for a 400m footpath that will cost almost £10 million.
The path is hoped to link Temple Quarter and Bristol city centre, which will improve access to Bristol University’s Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus.
The new enterprise campus, opening in 2026 will house Bristol’s Business school, provide a hub for engineering students and become the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Bristol University is expected to have spent over £300 million on the new campus development.
Artist impression of the complete Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus. Credit via Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
Controversy comes from the steep price tag placed on the development, a cost set to be taken on by taxpayers, people who in many cases will not directly benefit from the project.
Built as a condition of the sale of land to the university for its new campus, taxpayers have criticised the lack of choice they have had over council involvement, calling for private developers, which could include the university, to fund the path.
Residents voiced their opinions to Bristol Live, calling the path “a scandalous” and “embarrassing waste of money”, expressing frustrations with the council’s handling of city finances.
A series of setbacks, including a landslip in April 2024 have contributed to mounting costs.
The debate has escalated to local political parties, with Liberal Democrat Nicholas Coombes declaring the fiasco an “outrageous report” that “demonstrates the wastefulness Bristol saw under the former Labour mayor.
“It is a scandal that a 400-metre path should have been allowed to cost the taxpayer close to £10 million, with no way out of the contract.”
Bristol Labour group hit back at these claims, arguing “The Liberal Democrats have chaired the economy and skills Committee which oversees the Temple Quarter regeneration project – including the new harbour walkway – since May. It’s their responsibility to get a grip of overspends.”
Discussing the development in 2024, Bristol University’s Vice-Chancellor, Evelyn Welch, said: “The Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus will be a major new landmark for Bristol and a real catalyst for innovation not just for the city and region, but also nationally.
“It is being carefully constructed to meet the needs and nurture the aspirations of our students, staff and partners across the city and the wider region.”
The Bristol Temple Quarter development hopes to create 22,000 new jobs and 10,000 new homes, as well as more student housing within the city. Estimates suggest it will boost the local economy by £1.6 billion.
Bristol City Council have been approached for comment.
Featured image artist impression via Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios.
