Bristol News by HANA- Edition 1

Bristol's Bright Future: Festivals, Resettlement & New Developments

Author

Louis Inglis
September 13, 2024

Bristol News by HANA News - Edition 1

Bristol's Bright Future: Festivals, Resettlement & New Developments

There is a lot of intriguing and exciting news in Bristol this week. The city continues to shine as an inclusive and inviting place, praising the council’s refugee scheme. This is reflected in the city ranking 2nd overall in a study of best places to live in the UK. Business and developments continue to thrive with new student accommodation in the ex-industrial Temple district, and dates are set for opening a new entertainment arena and the re-opening of Ashton train station in the north of the city. With the population set to swell at the beginning of the new academic year, Bristolians can look forward to more of the eclectic festivals, music, and art that have put this city on the map.

Louis Inglis | Bristol Editor

This week in Bristol

  • Increased Refugee Resettlement: Bristol City Council will welcome 30 families annually, including 15 from Afghanistan, reflecting a commitment to humanitarian efforts.

  • Bristol Arena Development: The transformation of the Brabazon Hangars into a 19,000-capacity arena will boost the local cultural scene with diverse entertainment offerings

  • Quality of Life Improvements: A PWC report ranks Bristol as the UK's second most liveable city, but warns of growing housing and education inequalities.

  • Promoting Inclusivity in Education: Bristol and York St. John Universities are encouraging sensitive language use to avoid ageist stereotypes in higher education.

  • Transport Development: Ashley train station will reopen after 60 years to support sustainable travel and reduce car dependency.

  • Temple Quarter Campus: The University of Bristol’s Temple Quarter Campus will be completed by September 2026, contributing to the city’s £1.6 billion regeneration efforts.

  • Cultural Event: The En Masse Festival in November 2024 will feature diverse performances and workshops, promoting community engagement.

  • Upcoming Music Tour: Indie artist Soccer Mommy will tour the UK in May 2025, with a stop in Bristol.

  • Sporting Events: Exciting football matches are on the horizon, with Bristol Rovers and Bristol City facing key opponents in their respective competitions.

DATABOX

●  With two major universities, the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol hosts around 55,000 students.

● The Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus development is expected to contribute £626 million annually to the Bristol economy and host around 3,000 new jobs related to the University of Bristol. This figure includes direct and indirect economic activities such as job creation, increased student spending, and the stimulation of local businesses.

Scroll down for property news and more things to do this weekend…

(Credit: Louis Inglis)

Calls for more refugees to be resettled in Bristol as ‘fantastic’ scheme is praised

Date: 2024-09-12 14:51:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 2 minutes | Source: Bristol Post 

Bristol City Council is ramping up its efforts to resettle refugees, aiming to welcome 30 families each year, including 15 from Afghanistan. The council's dedicated resettlement team, which has successfully helped nearly 2,000 refugees in the last six years—about half coming from Ukraine—provides essential support such as housing, jobs, and English classes. Councillor Kelvin Blake commended this initiative as a positive response to recent events, highlighting Bristol's commitment to being a welcoming city. With increased government funding, the council believes it can effectively extend its support to even more families seeking a fresh start. 🌍

Bristol Arena could open in 2027 as works progress

Date: 2024-09-06 05:15:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 0 minutes | Source: BBC 

Exciting developments are underway for the Bristol Arena. YTL Construction UK reveals progress in preparing the historic Brabazon Hangars, once home to Concorde, for a new 19,000-capacity entertainment hub. While construction is expected to start soon, the venue won’t host concerts until 2027, with an anticipated two-and-a-half-year build time. The plans also include an outdoor cinema, ice rink, and sports courts, promising a vibrant cultural hub for the community. 🎉

Bristol named as second best city to live in UK

Date: 2024-09-12 10:42:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 2 minutes | Source: Bristol Post 

Bristol has been recognized as the second most liveable city in the UK, following Plymouth, as revealed by a recent PWC report that assessed various quality-of-life factors such as well-being, employment, and income distribution. The study highlights the significant progress made by cities like Reading and Exeter in balancing work and home life while also addressing income inequality. However, it warns of a growing imbalance within regions due to unequal access to housing and education, particularly in the country's largest cities, where social housing waiting lists remain distressingly high. As the UK government pushes for reforms to enhance economic growth, local, national, and academic sectors must collaborate effectively to address these pressing challenges. 🌆 

University students told to drop all ‘harmful’ references to people’s age

Date: 2024-09-10 00:50:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 1 minutes | Source: Daily Mail 

In a move towards promoting inclusivity, York St. John University has advised its 6,500 undergraduates to avoid terms like "middle-aged" and "OAPs" to prevent offending those in their 40s and 50s. Similarly, the University of Bristol is encouraging its 30,000 students to eliminate labels such as Baby Boomer and Gen X, citing negative stereotypes associated with these designations. While officials argue these guidelines support freedom of speech, they reflect a broader trend in UK higher education towards using more sensitive language to avoid ageism and other forms of discrimination. 🌍 

Date set for opening of new Bristol train station

Date: 2024-09-12 11:52:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 2 minutes | Source: BBC 

Exciting news for Bristol residents: The long-awaited Ashley train station, which was closed for nearly 60 years, is set to open on Saturday, September 28. This marks the second new station in the area in almost a century, part of a project aimed at revitalizing the Henbury Line and enhancing sustainable travel options. With plans for more stations and frequent services, the initiative promises to transform local transportation and reduce car dependency. 🚆 

Major milestone for University of Bristol’s new world-leading Enterprise Campus

Date: 2024-09-12 04:07:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 5 minutes | Source: University of Bristol 

The University of Bristol's ambitious Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus has reached a significant milestone with the completion of its main building, scheduled to open in September 2026. This new campus will serve as a hub for around 300 enterprise partners and will enhance the university's global reputation in interdisciplinary research and innovation while supporting the thriving sectors of data science, digital innovation, and quantum technology. The campus aims to foster local community engagement, improve area connectivity, and contribute to a broader £1.6 billion regeneration project in Bristol. As Professor Evelyn Welch stated, this venture marks a major leap forward in creating a vibrant ecosystem that supports economic growth and innovation on a global scale. 🌍

En Masse Festival confirms programme for 2024

Date: 2024-09-13 08:39:36 | Reading Time: Reading time: 1 minutes | Source: The Quietus

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the En Masse festival in Bristol from November 13 to 16, 2024! This vibrant four-day event will showcase a fantastic lineup, featuring the debut live collaboration of Azu Tiwaline and Forest Drive West, alongside performances from notable acts like Kahn + Autumns and a back-to-back DJ set by Batu and CCL. Beyond the nighttime festivities, attendees can engage in enriching community events, including production workshops and an insightful talk by the legendary Dennis Bovell. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the diverse offerings of this dynamic festival! 🎶

Preview: Blackburn Rovers vs. Bristol City - prediction, team news, lineups

Date: 2024-09-12 10:35:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 3 minutes | Source: Sports Mole 

This Saturday, Blackburn Rovers will host Bristol City in what promises to be an exciting Championship clash as Rovers look to extend their unbeaten run to five matches. Currently sitting fifth, Blackburn aim to build on their recent performances, especially with top goalscorer Sammie Szmodics highlighting their attacking prowess. On the other hand, Bristol City, fresh from a tough 3-0 defeat against Derby, seek to regain momentum and secure their first clean sheet of the season. With both teams eager for a positive result, it should be a thrilling encounter at Ewood Park! ⚽

What’s on this weekend?

Bristol Coffee Festival

Where: Bristol Beacon, BS1 | When: Saturday, September 14; 10:00 AM-5.30 PM

Keep Hush Day Festival

Where: Central Warehouse, BS2 | When: Saturday, September 14; 4:00 PM

Other Minds at Watershed

Where: Watershed, BS1 | When: Until September 29

South Bristol Arts Trail

Where: Southville, Bedminster & Ashton, BS3 | When: Saturday & Sunday, September 14-15; 11:00 AM-5.00 PM

Contact us to add your event here for the next edition

Bristol Property News

Somerset House redevelopment to bring new homes to sought-after Bristol area

Date: 2024-09-11 23:59:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 2 minutes | Source: Bristol Post 

Exciting times for Clifton Village as a former office building, Somerset House, is set to be transformed into 30 new apartments thanks to a collaboration between Ceder Invest and Acorn Property Group. With planning approval for both the conversion of the existing structure and the addition of five new units, this redevelopment aims to enhance the area with high-quality homes and additional parking spaces. Construction is expected to commence in January 2025, with sales slated for summer 2025. This initiative marks an important step in revitalizing one of Bristol's most sought-after neighbourhoods. 🏡

Date: 2024-09-09 04:32:00 | Reading Time: Reading time: 4 minutes | Source: Somerset Live 

In a spirited effort to protect Bristol's historic Zoo Gardens, the 'Save Bristol Gardens Alliance' has successfully raised initial funds for a legal challenge against the redevelopment project that promises to replace the green space with 200 new homes. Despite reaching their first milestone of £10,000, the project's rising costs have prompted a new fundraising goal of £43,500, as campaigners stress the environmental impact of the proposed development, which includes felling numerous trees. While zoo officials express confidence in upholding the planning permission, the alliance, formed by local residents and environmentalists, aims to secure a judicial review to ensure the gardens' preservation. With the community's backing, there's hope that this beloved site can maintain its natural charm amidst urban growth. 🌿

Bristol Market Report September 2024

Date: 2024-09-13 10:01:19 | Reading Time: Reading time: 3 minutes | Source: Home.co.uk 

In Bristol, the property market has seen slight increases in the average time unsold properties spend on the market from September 2023 to September 2024, with terraced homes experiencing the most significant rise at 22%. The data reveals that larger homes, particularly four-bedroom properties, are taking longer to sell, reflecting a broader trend in property sales across the city. Notably, while the overall number of properties for sale has grown by 10%, there has been a notable uptick in the availability of flats, which increased by 22%. For those making property decisions, this report offers valuable insights into shifting trends and market dynamics. 🏡

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