News / Bristol Arena
‘Councillors must have a free vote on the best way forward for Bristol’
A cross-party group of councillors are urging mayor Marvin Rees to allow a free vote on the future of Arena Island.
Debate over the use of the derelict land by Temple Meads, and whether or not it’s the best location for the city’s long-awaited arena, has been heating up for months – with newly revealed plans for an alternative mixed-use development only adding fuel to the fire.
Alternative vision for a mixed-use development at Arena Island from Legal & General
An extraordinary full council meeting is to be held on September 3 in the wake of pressure from the cross-party group, who demanded there be further public debate on the matter before Rees makes his decision at cabinet on September 4.
is needed now More than ever
Councillors are now determined to keep the pressure on and are calling for a free vote – in which party members are allowed to vote however they want, rather than in line with the party whip.
A letter signed by a number of councillors from all four parties urges the mayor to take heed of the democratic majority, but ultimately – as the elected mayor of the city – Rees has the final decision-making powers.
Paula O’Rourke, a Green councillor for Clifton, said: “I’ve talked to councillors from all the different parties and while we do not agree on everything, we agree on this.
“They too have looked long and hard at the evidence, they too have spoken to the residents they represent, and they too have concluded that councillors must have the chance to raise their concerns about abandoning the Temple Island site and have a free vote on the best way forward for Bristol.”
There are fears that if the arena isn’t built at Arena Island, it could be ‘kicked into the long grass’ for years to come
Jerome Thomas, also a Green councillor for Clifton, added: “We are concerned that if the Temple Island site is abandoned, it will kick our arena into the long grass for decades to come.”
Conservative group leader Mark Weston said: “The resolution members will be asked to vote upon is relatively simple and straightforward, essentially what is the best location for the Bristol arena?
“It is also clear that there may be a range of views within the party groups on the best site. Therefore, a free vote on the matter would seem to be the best way forward.
“Because of the importance of this decision to the people of Bristol, we would expect the mayor to be guided – and abide by – the outcome of such a democratic vote.”
On the importance of the upcoming extraordinary meeting, Lib Dem group leader Anthony Negus said: “The Lib Dems want to hear all shades of opinion about all aspects of this decision from councillors and the public which would otherwise have been denied.
“This decision will affect the development and belief in this city and the wellbeing of all its citizens for a generation or more.”
Read more: Revealed: the alternative vision for Arena Island
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