Future plans for the Galleries revealed

Transformational proposals are being brought forward by Bristol-based developer Deeley Freed, together with LaSalle Investment Management, to comprehensively redevelop Bristol’s Galleries Shopping Centre, with consultation events planned for the 13, 14 and 16 July.

Image: Proposed view from the current middle of the Galleries towards the Alms Houses.

A spokesperson from Deeley Freed said: “This is an amazing, once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a world-class, sustainable, vibrant destination, one which will help reinvigorate Bristol’s city centre, responding positively to the changing ways we now live, work and shop. 

“Footfall in the centre is down 35% from pre-pandemic levels. A change in shopping patterns, accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, has 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 its 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 in the planning process and the Galleries will remain open as usual for at least the next two years. We’d add that the retail units and occupiers fronting onto Broadmead fall outside of the redevelopment proposals and are not part of the plans. We’d encourage people to continue to shop and support their local traders.” 

The public consultation events include:
•    A webinar on Wednesday 13 July at 6pm (please register via the website). 
•    A public exhibition on Thursday 14 July from 3 to 7pm, and Saturday 16 July from 10:30 to 13:30, on the ground floor of the Galleries opposite Boswells Cafe. 
•    Two walking tours are also being organised to discuss the opportunity Thursday 14 July at 12pm and Saturday 16 at 13:30am. Visit the website to register. 

Speaking about the retail situation, Vivienne Kennedy from Broadmead BID said: “Shops and shopping centres across the country have been struggling as they try to compete against online retailers and rising living costs, while at the same time trying to bounce back from the pandemic. The high street is constantly evolving, always trying to meet consumer needs as they too change, and we see mixed-use developments, with much more focus on the customer experience, as an excellent way to increase footfall, vibrancy and sustainability. We’d encourage people to get involved in the consultation as it’s in all our interests to get this important opportunity right.”

Further information can be found on the project website: www.galleriesfuture.com which will be updated after the exhibition.