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- Bristol News by HANA Edition 7
Bristol News by HANA Edition 7
Student Skyscraper, Greener Streets and Bristol Bees
Louis Inglis
October 25, 2024
Bristol News by HANA Edition 7
Student Skyscraper, Greener Streets and Bristol Bees
From the Editor
You might have experienced something similar: Sitting, chatting, drinking on St Nicholas Street when suddenly a Toyota Prius roars through. Squeezing past the curb and the pub seating, parting the sea of students and punters in biblical fashion, you think, “Are they still allowed to drive along here?”. In my opinion, they shouldn’t be. When have you ever heard someone say, “Well, King Street was so much better when you could drive along it?” Europe’s city centres have de-evolved in favour of pedestrians once more, and Bristol must keep on this track.
The ‘liveable neighbourhood scheme’ is being trialled in Barton Hill and Redfield. The council hopes to reduce emissions and encourage greener transport by plugging the area’s streets for car access. As you can read below, bumbling six-legged co-inhabitants may also benefit. But will the residents in those suburbs reclaim the streets in continental fashion? We will have to see.
The spookiest day of the year is coming next week. If you missed HANA News’ inaugural feature about a horror game on a haunted island in the Bristol Channel, you can catch up here.
Louis Inglis | Bristol Editor
Park Street and the Wills Memorial Building
This week in Bristol
A 16-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of 19-year-old Luka Bennett-Smith in St Andrew’s; he appeared in court as investigations continue. Luka died from multiple stab wounds despite emergency services' attempts to save her.
Train passengers between Bristol and Bath will face disruptions from October 28-31 due to maintenance on the line under St Anne's Tunnel. Replacement buses will run, but delays are expected due to simultaneous roadworks.
Bristol's 'liveable neighbourhood' initiative starts October 28, aiming to reduce traffic in areas like Barton Hill and Redfield through January 2025. Residents are invited to provide input, but concerns over accessibility and public transport remain.
Ashton Gate celebrated England's Under-21s 7-0 win, while the Wildscreen Festival attracted wildlife film enthusiasts. Additionally, Bristol Cathedral hosts the illuminated Earth model "Gaia," and former Gogglebox star Marina raised £41,000 for charity.
A University of Bristol study reveals gardens provide up to 95% of nectar for pollinators during crucial times when farmland lacks it, particularly in early spring and late summer. This underscores the vital role of individual gardeners in supporting pollinator populations and combating biodiversity loss.
Dan Bethell, a former law student at the University of Bristol, transitioned to para-badminton, earning silver medals at the Tokyo and Paris Paralympics. His journey, driven by passion and overcoming self-doubt, inspires future athletes with disabilities and promotes a sense of community.
Bristol Rovers player Taylor Moore has launched the "5K Way" mental health initiative with the Bristol Rovers Community Trust. The initiative encourages a 5km walk to promote mental well-being through conversation and physical activity. The first walk starts Thursday at 18:30 BST from SS Great Britain, emphasising community support for mental health.
Databox
Studies show that pedestrianisation can reduce nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels by up to 40% in major urban areas. For example, similar schemes in London led to a 20-40% drop in NO₂ concentrations on pedestrianised streets.
Green corridors in pedestrian zones promote urban biodiversity, encouraging pollinators like bees and butterflies. Pedestrian-friendly areas can increase pollinator-friendly flora by 30-50%, supporting local ecosystems. Yet some Bristol traders remain unconvinced of the benefits of such schemes.
Bristol ranks 3rd among British cities for the percentage of green space, with 24.02% of the city consisting of green areas like parks, gardens, and playing fields. This places Bristol behind only St Albans (26.97%) and Wakefield (26.82%) in terms of green space percentage.
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Bristol this weekend…
Luke Jerram’s rotating Earth, part of the Gaia exhibition at Bristol Cathedral
Hyper-local news articles
Teenager charged with murder of woman in Bristol
Date: 2024-10-24 12:29:12 | Reading Time: 1 minutes | Source: Avon & Somerset Police
https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/news/2024/10/teenager-charged-with-murder-of-woman-in-bristol/
A 16-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of 19-year-old Luka Bennett-Smith, who died from multiple stab wounds at a residential property in St Andrew’s. Emergency services responded to the scene on Sunday evening but could not save her. The boy, whose identity is protected due to his age, appeared in court earlier this week as investigations continue.
No trains between Bath and Bristol and roadworks on the A4 next week
Date: 2024-10-24 00:00:00 | Reading Time: 3 minutes | Source: Bristol Post
Next week, train passengers travelling between Bristol and Bath should brace for some disruptions, as essential maintenance work will lead to a complete closure of the railway line beneath St Anne’s Tunnel from October 28 to October 31. A replacement bus service will connect Temple Meads and Bath Spa stations, but travellers are warned of lengthy delays along the A4 due to simultaneous gas works around the Globe roundabout. Network Rail insists on the importance of this maintenance to ensure the safety and reliability of services.
(Credit: Ashton Gate Stadium)
Bristol in pics: Wildscreen and international football
Date: 2024-10-20 06:23:00 | Reading Time: 4 minutes | Source: BBC
Bristol was alive with excitement this past week as thousands filled Ashton Gate to cheer on England's Under-21s, who delivered a thrilling 7-0 victory against Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, the Wildscreen Festival brought together around 1,000 wildlife film enthusiasts in the city, celebrating the craft and showcasing the prestigious Panda Awards. In artistic news, a stunning illuminated model of Earth called Gaia has found its home in Bristol Cathedral, welcoming visitors for free days and special evening events. Lastly, former Gogglebox star Marina celebrated a remarkable fundraising effort, raising £41,000 for multiple charities with the help of her supportive community.
Readers react as low-traffic ‘liveable neighbourhood’ scheme set to kick off
Date: 2024-10-24 12:47:36 | Reading Time: 5 minutes | Source: Bristol Post
Bristol is gearing up for new traffic measures as part of its 'liveable neighbourhood' initiative to reduce through traffic in residential areas like Barton Hill, Redfield, and St George. With phased implementation starting October 28 and running through January 2025, the council encourages resident input during trial stages to fine-tune these plans. While some residents are optimistic about the potential for improved air quality and safer streets, others voice concerns about accessibility and the adequacy of public transport solutions. Ultimately, this ambitious project seeks to create a greener, healthier environment, but it remains a hot topic of debate among locals.
Gardens prevent pollinators from starving when farmland nectar is scarce, new UoB study finds
Date: 2024-10-25 09:44:22 | Reading Time: 3 minutes | Source: University of Bristol
A recent study from the University of Bristol reveals that gardens play a crucial role in sustaining pollinators, providing up to 95% of total nectar when farmland is deprived, especially in early spring and late summer. Researchers found that even small garden patches can significantly support local pollinator populations, emphasising how individual gardening efforts can combat biodiversity loss. With over 27 million gardeners in the UK, this research highlights the importance of creating pollinator-friendly spaces to help tackle the decline of these essential creatures.
Paralympian Dan Bethell in front of the Wills Memorial Building (Credit: University of Bristol)
Paralympian: I was rubbish at badminton – I never thought my dream would happen
Date: 2024-10-24 12:29:13 | Reading Time: 6 minutes | Source: University of Bristol
Dan Bethell, a dedicated para-badminton player and recent silver medalist at the Tokyo and Paris Paralympics, reflects on his transformative journey from a law student at the University of Bristol to a Paralympic athlete. His passion for the sport blossomed despite early self-doubt, ultimately earning him a place among the elite and inspiring the next generation of athletes with disabilities. Dan's remarkable achievements, including tireless training while balancing his studies, have brought him personal success and a sense of community and representation for individuals with disabilities. As he eyes the Los Angeles Games in 2028, he cherishes the support from his Alma Mater.
Bristol Rovers player launches mental health walk
Date: 2024-10-24 14:47:00 | Reading Time: 1 minutes |Source: BBC
Bristol Rovers player Taylor Moore has teamed up with the Bristol Rovers Community Trust to unveil an inspiring new mental health initiative called "5K Way." This project encourages participants to join a 5km walk, fostering open conversations about mental well-being while promoting the powerful connection between physical activity and social interaction. Kicking off at 18:30 BST on Thursday from the iconic SS Great Britain, this initiative underlines the importance of community support in enhancing mental health.
Buildings and blue sky in Bristol
Property news
Bristol’s tallest building set for student accommodation
Date: 2024-10-22 22:41:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 2 minutes | Source: Financial News
Bristol is poised for a stunning transformation with the upcoming construction of its tallest building, a purpose-built student accommodation project set to rise 28 storeys near the Bearpit roundabout. Developed by Cain International and Olympian Homes, this ambitious structure will surpass the current tallest building, Castle Park View, and provide 442 beds along with shared amenities designed to foster community among students. Despite initial concerns regarding its height and proximity to heritage sites, planning permission has been secured, reflecting a commitment to addressing Bristol's pressing housing demands.
Historic house with six acres of land on sale in UK city for £200k less than London flat
Date: 2024-10-23 09:34:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 1 minutes | Source: Daily Express
A charming historic coach house in Bristol, complete with six acres of picturesque land and various outbuildings, is set to go under auction next month with a guide price of £350,000. Built around 1790, this delightful property is just two miles from the city centre and offers an impressive total square footage of 6,714 square feet. In contrast to the average London flat price of £542,787, this unique find presents a fantastic opportunity for those seeking space and serenity close to one of Britain's vibrant cities.
BBC to sell part of historic studios site in Bristol
Date: 2024-10-24 04:41:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 2 minutes | Source: Yahoo News UK
The BBC is parting ways with a portion of its historic studio site on Whiteladies Road in Bristol as it moves operations to a new city centre base. The 3.2-acre property, which has been a key production site since 1934, will be marketed by Lambert Smith Hampton and is seen as a prime opportunity for various alternative uses, pending necessary planning permissions. As the BBC adapts to changes in technology and work practices, the sale aims to fund upgrades to their remaining space while ensuring continued broadcasting in the area. This decision reflects the BBC's commitment to providing value for license fee payers while honouring its long-standing ties to Bristol.
An alleyway covered in characteristic graffiti in Bristol City Centre
What’s on in Bristol this weekend?
All photos are credited to Louis Inglis unless otherwise specified.
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