| Your Name | Maxwell Jeffery |
|---|---|
| TRP Cohort Assignment | Hybrid In-Person/Online with Intensive in Lisbon, Fall-Winter 2024 |
| Study Cohort Members | Mariana Ley Rosa |
| Working Title of The Project (which we will use to refer to it throughout the series) | The Chocolate Path |
| Project Location | Bristol, England, UK |
| Nature of The Project (e.g. building, new community, economic development, etc.) | Historic pedestrian / cycle route restoration *Background* Bristol is an old port city in the southwest of England, which was a significant hub of commerce in the UK throughout the industrial revolution and into the 20th century. There are large and historic harbours around the city which are important to the city’s heritage and character. The River Avon runs through Bristol, which empties into the Bristol Channel, which has one of the largest tidal ranges in the world, with the water level changing by approximately 13-18 metres between tides. There is a mixture of residential, commercial, heritage, and open natural areas positioned along the River Avon. The Cumberland Road runs along one side of this river and connects these various sites. Pedestrian and cycle access was available via the Chocolate Path, a route running along the riverbank next to an old railway line that is out of commission. This path connects to two bridges that are the main routes of access across the river, and at one end of the path walkers and cyclists can access an area of protected woodland managed by the National Trust. |
| Why do you think this project is appropriate for the course assignment? | *Challenge* Around 7 years ago the Chocolate Path collapsed into the river due to neglect by the local council. Restoration work has continued since then, with road and bridge closures affecting access throughout this time. Currently the path is still being restored, and the council have claimed to have reopened the path but it is still largely inaccessible, and main access routes are blocked. *Significance* The path is significant in allowing car-free access between popular sites, and allowing residents to access green spaces. It also represents a key part of the city’s history, and runs along a unique habitat which is close to an area with several rare species of plant. *Issue with project so far* The project has proceeded with very little public consultation, and pretty much no meaningful opportunity for the local community to get involved. The presence of nature and non-human species in the area has not been considered in the restoration work and the works to the site have proceeded very slowly with little benefit yet achieved. This feels like an opportunity missed to involve the community, celebrate and restore the local ecosystem, and incorporate the heritage of the area. It has also prevented the opportunity to reduce fossil fuel use and encourage walking, cycling, and public transport use. |
| Additional Useful Information | *Links* http://www.bristolfloatingharbour.org.uk/harbour-trails/heritage-trails/the-new-cut/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-56392894 https://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/2023-08-04/the-bristol-traffic-changes-planned-as-key-routes-to-reopen https://i0.wp.com/www.bristolfloatingharbour.org.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/new-cut-lrg.gif https://news.bristol.gov.uk/press-releases/b662f083-2bcb-4dac-8fc1-c122bb01c8b8/chocolate-path-repairs |
| Date Created | September 24, 2024 |