The transformation of a vast industrial area in Bristol into thousands of new homes is progressing with those behind the scheme seeking the views of the city's residents.
The 'Masterplan' for the St Philips region of the city, near Temple Meads train station, could see up to 10,000 properties built across an expansive area stretching from Temple Way to Avonmeads Retail Park, alongside zones designated for 'intensified industrial', and 'innovation and knowledge' uses.
Dubbed 'Temple Quarter', a consultation process has started, initially presenting three different development options for public assessment.
The first option proposes the Feeder Canal as the focal point of the redevelopment, incorporating what will essentially be a local town centre for the emerging community.
The second option suggests Albert Road - the 'ring road' for the existing industrial estate that runs along the north side of the River Avon to the south of St Philips - as the main focus and 'High Street', reports .
The third 'scenario' under consultation is the establishment of a 'green loop' - effectively a circular park that extends from the Feeder Canal, down Albert Crescent, along Albert Road and back up to the Feeder.
A spokesperson for Temple Quarter said: "The key ideas being suggested include the pedestrianisation of roads within St Philip's Marsh to make space for new local centres or high streets, with new community facilities, a new road from St Philip's Causeway over the railway, to create a bespoke HGV access into and around a new industrial quarter.
"[This will enable] convenient access for businesses, a significant increase in green space, with different scenarios including a new central park or a range of smaller, connected green spaces and the introduction of public transport routes into the marsh, tackling a long-standing issue with access for communities and employees.
"There is also the idea to divide the area to create a genuinely mixed-use development with new homes, jobs, public space, alongside a standalone industrial area to support new and existing industrial uses," he added.
The Masterplan will outline the different zones envisioned for St Philips, though several developers have already progressed beyond Bristol City Council and the Temple Quarter regeneration project's current planning stage.
Indeed, various sites along the Feeder and Albert Road have already secured planning permission for new student flats, a new school, and parts of the University of Bristol's burgeoning Temple Quarter campus.
The task for those spearheading the Temple Quarter project is to engage with local residents in an area where few people reside. The majority of businesses currently occupying St Philips will need to relocate, although approximately a quarter of the land remains designated for 'industrial' use.
A community hub has been established is already open, with a host of community events scheduled in and around St Philips - from Totterdown and Bedminster to Brislington and Easton in July.
Two community gatherings are taking place at Screenology in Silverthorne Lane on Tuesday, July 8, between 3.30pm and 6.30pm, with a follow-up event the subsequent Tuesday, July 15, at Easton Community Centre between 2pm and 5pm.
There will also be a series of 'pop up drop-in' sessions for individuals to learn more and voice their opinions on the three 'scenarios'. The first session is on Wednesday, July 2, at Tesco in Totterdown.
The second is at Bedminster Asda on Wednesday, July 9, the third is at Sainsbury's off St Philips Causeway in Brislington on Monday, July 14, and the final one is in Dings Park, off Oxford Street in The Dings, on Wednesday, July 23. All four sessions are between 3.30pm and 6.30pm.
The permanent community hub that opens today is at Temple Gate and will be open from 10am to 3pm for people to drop by and learn more, every Monday throughout July.
