‘It’s getting harder’: How an east Bristol high street is faring

A £4.7m pot announced in July 2021 was dedicated to supporting Bristol’s high streets in the wake of the pandemic.

Designed to help spearhead regeneration, increase footfall and boost independent businesses, the investment from Bristol City Council and West of England Combined Authority (WECA) also pledged to bring some 150 vacant premises back to life.

Two Mile Hill was one of nine high streets in Bristol to be identified as priority areas to receive a share of this funding.

More than two years later, with a consultation launching on the next phase of improvements, Bristol24/7 visited the street on the long stretch between Church Road and Kingswood to see how they are faring.

The new mural by Andy Council and Acerone celebrates the history, wildlife and community of Two Mile Hill

A vibrant new mural welcomes people to Two Mile Hill. The artwork by Andy Council and Acerone features a dedicated coat of arms for the area, with a nod to its rich history and wildlife.

It signifies the pride and strength of the community in the high street which boasts an array of independent businesses.

One such business is Bakers Corner, a family bakery that has been running for 130 years – around 45 of those in its current premises on Two Mile Hill Road.

Gemma Veale (right, pictured with Yvonne Pointer) says things have been harder in the wake of the pandemic

Gemma Veale, the granddaughter of the owner, Roger, says that over this time they have built up a loyal customer base but the last couple of years have given her cause for concern.

“Since Covid, it’s been harder,” the baker tells Bristol24/7. “Like every business, we get quiet and busy periods, that’s all normal. But since Covid, everyone has run out of money.”

Gemma says Bakers Corner used to get a lot of passing trade from people on their way to or from Kingswood High Street but that has dropped off.

“I do worry, supermarkets drive this sort of trade out,” she says. “It’s the fear of not surviving. Plus our bags of flour have gone up and we have to pass that cost on.

“I hope it all changes and Kingswood thrives again.”

The Nylon Shop is due to close after 65 years in business

Down the street from Bakers Corner, another longstanding business is hosting a closing down sale. The family-run Nylon Shop has been trading on the street for some 65 years, a now well-faded cross stitched plaque in the windows has noted the decades the shop has been in business but the owner is now winding things down.

The high streets identified as priorities for funding alongside Two Mile Hill are Stockwood, Church Road, Shirehampton, Filwood Broadway, Filton Avenue, Stapleton Road, Brislington Hill and East Street, as well as the city centre.

Efforts to boost areas could include hosting free events, and public art projects, improving the public realm, bringing empty commercial properties back to life and providing business support. It has funded projects such as the new mural on Two Mile Hill Road, a community photography exhibition and the ‘Where’s It To?’ campaign, designed to highlight independent shops on people’s doorsteps.

The council has now unveiled plans for improvements to Two Mile Hill, which include planting flowers and adding new seats to the junction where Waters Road meets Two Mile Hill Road. There are also proposals to build out pavements at junctions on Soundwell Road and Grantham Road to allow more space for pedestrians, seating, new signage and bins.

Lying just inside the Bristol City Council border, Two Mile Hill Road is closest to Kingswood, in South Gloucestershire, and – as Gemma points out – is susceptible to the commercial ebb and flow of the neighbouring high street.

Belal Rahman (main photo), the owner of Valentino’s barber shop, believes most businesses on the street that rely on passing trade are struggling.

“This area is really going down,” he tells Bristol24/7. “A lot of small premises have closed down. They can’t survive anymore, rent is going up, electric is going up, water is going up.”

Belal has been in the premises on the corner of Two Mile Hill Road and New Queen Street for 14 years but says the last two have been his toughest yet. He used to employ three members of staff but can no longer afford to.

“We open every day. I think every day, it’s gonna be better than yesterday but it’s getting hard,” he adds.

Maliwan Thoensraket of Bristol Thai Spa says footfall on Two Mile Hill Road has dropped in recent years

Just up the road, Maliwan Thoensraket, the owner of Bristol Thai Spa, agrees footfall has dropped but it hasn’t affected her business, which is more of a destination that people seek out.

“I’ve been here for nearly five years now,” Maliwan tells Bristol24/7. “People know me and when they come, they tell their family – that’s why I’m staying here.”

Mayor Marvin Rees says protecting and renewing high streets is vital. “Our high streets are an essential part of our city’s landscape and play a vital role in delivering inclusive and sustainable economic growth in communities across Bristol,” he tells Bristol24/7.

“They are drivers for employment, commerce and community engagement. Protecting and renewing these high streets is not just an economic activity but a social investment too.”

The mayor says the investment fund is working to enhance and support high streets. Further plans requested by the community, which include creating more green space and installing bike parking, are now going through a consultation process.

Stacey King, the owner of First Choice Cafe, says her business is doing well, with plenty of loyal regulars, but that it would be good to see more investment in the area that has too easily been overlooked.

Duncan Gammon of SilverPan Film Lab would like to see more investment in Two Mile Hill Road

Duncan Gammon, the owner of SilverPan Film Lab opposite Valentino’s, agrees. Most of his trade is done online but he would like to see the street thrive.

“It would be nice to get a few more shops opening up in vacant premises,” says Duncan. “Church Road has very much regenerated in the last five years, but it hasn’t quite got this far, so it would be nice to see a bit more investment up here.”

All photos: Ellie Pipe

Read next:

• Neighbourhood gets its own ‘coat of arms’ in stunning  new mural 
• £4.7m to help Bristol’s high streets recover in wake of the pandemic
• £1.3m allocated to bring vacant Bristol business premises back into use

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