One suggestion has been to focus on the ideological “heart” of the neighbourhood – Picton Street and the pedestrianised area from Picton St. to Richmond Road.  We are using the name “Picton Square” for the moment.

The idea is to pedestrianise and upgrade a larger area, from the last 50 metres of Picton St. to the beginning of Shaftsbury Ave., across to Bath Buildings and the Health Centre. It would become a mixed-use pavement,

If this area was upgraded we might well address several of these problems at once:

• Pedestrians, prams and wheelchairs could move much more freely
• Cars and trucks would naturally be forced to drive very slowly through the area, as the sight-lines would be very short;
• Slower traffic reduces the numbers of cars passing through
• Local shops would benefit: better pedestrian access & increased footfall;
• Residents empowered by participating in project’s design and management
• Greenery growing here and there makes environment more pleasant for all
• More local facilities will become available, such as: a street café, well-used notice-boards, a kiosk or two for street vendors;
• Street-art will reduce tagging and increase the desirable “view”;
• Art installations will become possible.

In order to accomplish all of this, some problems will need to be addressed:

• Relocation of bins left permanently on pavement by traders and residents;
• Dog-fouling and rubbish will have to be addressed;
• Residents and traders will have to agree to give up a few car-park spaces;
• Bristol highways will have to re-surface the area with coloured paviers, etc.;
• The emergency services will have to agree the routes and access.

We hope people will find these suggestions intriguing and stimulating.  There are many possibilities ahead; nothing has been decided upon, and nothing has been ruled out.  At this stage a few residents are just putting up suggestions to begin the debate. What do you think?