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Gloucester Road Traders Back County Ground

22 May 2012

A survey of traders on the Gloucester Road in Bristol found that all who took part are in favour of plans to redevelop the County Ground at Nevil Road. 

The survey was undertaken by Gloucestershire County Cricket Club (GCCC) as part of a consultation for a new planning application that aims to dramatically improve the County Ground as a leading centre for sport, providing benefits to the community and businesses through a fit-for-purpose conference centre.

Results of the survey, which spanned from Tortworth Road to Somerville Road, also found that 85% of the 41 traders that responded thought the revised plans were an improvement on the previous scheme. 

Nearly all (95%) of the businesses also thought having the club in its current location, where it has been located for 122 years, provides benefits to the community.

These include increased footfall to the area during matches and public facilities, such as the BS7 gym, and meeting venues.

Liz Duffy, owner of Lashings Coffee House, said: “The cricket club is a good neighbour to have, as on larger match days the volume of customers increase and, in general, the cricket team come in for a coffee and are lovely lads.

“As this development also includes housing, we’d be very happy to have more local people in the area both for our own business and the Gloucester Road as a whole.  It’s becoming a really desirable place to live and with views out over the cricket ground itself, I’d expect there to be a good deal of interest in the location.”

Tom Richardson, Chief Executive of GCCC, said: “We were all very pleased to receive such support from the traders on Gloucester Road as the diverse range of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars is one of the reasons that coming to see a match at the County Ground is so popular. 

“It is important for us to be able to provide customers and footfall for business owners along this famous high street and we are proud to be a part of this vibrant and exciting community.” 

The key change to the revised plans is the reduction in the height of the apartments adjacent to the ground from seven to six stories, whilst keeping the 147 housing units needed for the overall development to go ahead.

The original development plans were narrowly rejected by Bristol City Council in January.

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