The group has backed the Wyndham Way Opportunity Area Scoping Study which sets out the key opportunities and challenges facing Portishead. It also suggests an approach for the next stage to involve residents and businesses in shaping the area's long-term future.
The area around Wyndham Way could unlock a new sustainable future for the town – better connecting Portishead's neighbourhoods.
The report begins to explore this pivotal opportunity to develop a place for Portishead, of Portishead, capturing the town's unique character and embracing the opportunities for living and working in a better way.
The project is still at a very early stage and change will take many years. There will be further engagement and consultation this year to help create a development framework for the area. This will plan for the area's long-term future.
Lucy Shomali, director of development and environment at North Somerset Council and chair of the Wyndham Way Steering Group said:
“Portishead is a great place but like towns across the country faces a complex set of challenges. Covid-19, Brexit and the climate and ecological emergencies all demand that we do things differently. Nurturing the right kind of change around Wyndham Way offers an opportunity to respond to these challenges. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make Portishead even better.
“This initial stage of work has demonstrated the value of proper collaboration. The steering group has worked together to investigate the issues faced by Portishead and the opportunities the Wyndham Way area offers.”
The steering group of local businesses, Portishead Town Council, North Somerset Council and Aberdeen Standard Investments has explored how the area between the high street, the marina and the proposed MetroWest railway station could be improved to bring the greatest benefit to Portishead. A team experienced in creating great places has been supporting the group's work.
The report has been heavily influenced by feedback from the local community on what people like, what they don't like and what could be improved.
A website at wyndhamway.co.uk was launched in September for people to comment on what they think about the area. The website has been visited more than 5,800 times with over 180 comments made through an innovative, interactive map.
Lucy Shomali added:
“I am grateful to everyone who shared their views through the project website. The engagement and collaborative approach have been exemplary and sets the tone for the future of the project.
“Engagement has started from the earliest opportunity - far earlier than is usual for similar projects. There is a long way to go before any change begins to take place in the Wyndham Way area which means the people of Portishead will have many more opportunities to help shape what happens.”
Neil Douglas of local business Viper Innovations and member of the Wyndham Way Steering Group said:
“We have the potential to increase the number and quality of jobs in Portishead by creating the right space for businesses to thrive.
“The steering group has thoroughly scrutinised what Portishead needs and how the area's future can be shaped.
“The report summarises this work and explores how change in this area can benefit people who live and work in Portishead.”
The steering group endorsed the study at a meeting on 25 February. The report will be considered by North Somerset Council on 10 March and Portishead Town Council on 17 March.
The project is still at a very early stage. If the study is endorsed by Portishead Town Council and North Somerset Council, Stage 2 intends to build on the scoping study. In collaboration with local communities, North Somerset Council would lead the creation of a development framework to guide the future planning and delivery of development and associated infrastructure.
If the project progresses, the steering group will continue to ensure anyone who wishes to be involved would have opportunities to help shape the development framework.
An indicative programme suggests a framework for the area could be published in spring 2022, following consultation and engagement this year if both councils endorse the proposed approach.
People can find out more about the study by visiting wyndhamway.co.uk and can email WWSA@social.co.uk or phone 0330 1070 535 with any questions.