Background

Symes Avenue is the District Shopping Centre serving the outer estates of Hartcliffe and Withywood with a total population of around 20,000 people. The estates, built in the 1950's and 1960's, have long been identified as suffering a multitude of different problems which characterise a deprived and socially excluded community.

It is widely acknowledged that Symes Avenue has been in continual decline since the early 1990's and is now a key regeneration site. It is generally regarded as one of Bristol's most visually depressing areas. At the present time only 10 of the 34 retail units are occupied. The principal reason for this would appear to be the changing nature of shopping patterns in South Bristol, and particularly the emergence of the superstore as the preferred choice of shopping format for many people.

Repeated problems of vandalism and crime (particularly burglary and theft) have continued to create difficult trading conditions for businesses and an unpleasant environment for shoppers. The maisonettes above the shops are all now derelict/vandalised and in an extremely poor state of repair. It is generally considered that their refurbishment would not be commercially viable.

A Partnership of Bristol City Council, the Hartcliffe and Withywood Community Partnership (HWCP) and South West Regional Development Agency (South West RDA) commissioned a feasibility study into redevelopment options in 2000. The resultant Regeneration Strategy for Symes Avenue led to the site being marketed for a superstore based development, with outline planning permission, in Summer 2002. This resulted in W.M Morrisons being selected as the Council's preferred developer. A new scheme has been worked up with Morrisons and the Symes Avenue Steering Group.

View the potted history of the project with key dates