Responding to an article published by BBC News online on 16 January 2014, entitled ‘Why does Bristol never build anything?’ Tim Davis, Head of property adviser, DTZ’s Bristol office, comments:
“Bristol is a city which is typical of economically wealthier locations in the UK, where local authorities are generally more reactionary, and the pervading attitude makes it easier to avoid more radical or often controversial decisions.
“However, when you look at locations where there has been a greater need to implement a more radical strategy due to economic decline, you see the greatest change. Cities such as Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester and Sheffield provide examples of how cities have implemented greater development initiatives in order to transform their external image in recent years.
“This is why the new Mayor has been a breath of fresh air for Bristol, offering a positive ‘can do’ attitude to promote the city. In response to the comment in the article by Daniella Radice, leader of Bristol City Council’s Green Party group, that Bristol’s problem is not a case of ‘Nimbyism’, it is easy to say you are in favour of an idea for a project but then not support the specific case. The reality is that the perfect case never arises – any significant decision is going to have pro’s and con’s and this attitude leads to nothing happening which is what we’ve seen here in Bristol.
“It should be remembered that it took almost 40 years for Bristol to eventually develop the Harbourside area, which are now a real attribute and selling point for the city.
“Cardiff may be the capital of Wales, but Bristol is an economically bigger entity. It competes with Cardiff, not only for consumer expenditure, particularly on the retail and leisure side, but also for inward investment on a national, if not, European level too.
“Yes, Bristol scores highly in its skills base and quality of life, but this should be used in positive way to promote the city, not perpetuate a reactionary attitude. The latter will ultimately have a detrimental effect on Bristol’s future.
“A close French friend of mine said just recently that although Bristol provides an overall pleasant environment to live and work, it did not appear to have the urban landscape and facilities of a major city. This is something which needs to be addressed.”
