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In September 2005 work started on a £500 million programme to transform Bristol city centre shopping facilities into some of the best in the UK. You can see the areas affected on Broadmead development map (PDF 50 Kb). The Cabot Circus development, with its unique shell-shaped roof, will create an expanded retail area with a flagship department store, 15 major stores and over 100 new shops. In addition there will be:

• New and improved public spaces
• More than 310,000 sq ft of new office space and a hotel
• Over 2,600 car park spaces
• Leisure and entertainment facilities including the Bristol Cinema de Lux with 3,000 seats and 13 state-of-the-art auditoria
• Provision of 242 homes, including 24 affordable home and new student flats
• Rejuvenation of the Quakers Friars area

During the construction over 300 existing shops remain open for business in Broadmead.

The development is being undertaken by the Bristol Alliance, a joint venture between Land Securities Group plc and Hammerson plc.

The first phase of work, completed in 2006, involved the diversion and remodelling of Bond Street, between St James Barton and the Old Market roundabout. This phase included major diversions of underground services and the demolition of most buildings within the 15-hectare area.

Construction of the new shops and cinema commenced in the spring of 2006. The construction of the new car park commenced at the end of 2006 and the refurbishment of Quakers Friars in summer 2007. The student accomodation on Bond Street opened in September 2007 with the completion of the new shopping area expected in autumn 2008.

Bristol City Council is working closely with the Bristol Alliance to minimise any disruption during the period of construction. You can find out the latest on how this may affect your journey into or around the city centre by going to the relevant links.

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