Bristol City Council is consulting on proposals covered in its Harbour Place Shaping Strategy. In the Council’s words this sets out a ‘broad and ambitious vision for the future of the harbour and its next 20 years of growth and transformation.’ Between 23rd September and 4th November 2024, we can express our views on this strategy using this link.
The Strategy includes proposals of some concern to Bathurst Basin residents, including those for the Lower Guinea Street quay in the Basin:
New commercial moorings along harbour wall to diversify, offering and provide luxury commercial e.g. hotel, well-being. Ambition for further feasibility to explore the potential for Bathurst Basin to become a marina, if delivered, commercial moorings to be managed by marina management.
Other suggestions include
- Bathurst Parade, Trin Mills, and Merchant’s Quay improved with planting, seating and more generous walkways. Obstacles to continuous quayside walkway removed. Planting to provide shade and improve biodiversity net gain. Consideration of neighbouring residential uses taken into consideration when designing public realm and areas to dwell.
- Parking around Bathurst Basin to be set back from the water’s edge to create an enhanced Quayside Walkway.
Thankfully the document strikes a cautionary note:
There is an opportunity for Bathurst Basin to become a marina with complimentary commercial moorings along the eastern harbour wall, however this would have to be implemented sensitively with consideration of the surrounding residential neighbours and existing uses. The greenery and quiet of Bathurst Basin is highly desirable and appreciated by boaters and residents, therefore it’s important that these characteristics are retained throughout any future changes.
The proposals make no mention of where Cabot Cruising Club and the John Sebastian Lightship fit in. Cabot Cruising Club was founded in 1937. The John Sebastian ‘Light Vessel 55’ was purchased by the club in 1954, and has been the base for club operations whilst moored in Bathurst Basin since her doors reopened in 1959. The Club and the Lightship are historic features. And Bathurst Basin is also much used in the training of canoeists, kayakers, paddle-boarders as there is sufficient space and little or no boat traffic to disturb them. The proposals for the Lower Guinea Street quay and the introduction of a private marina will clearly impact on these activities.