News / Transport
EXCLUSIVE: Lofty ambitions for cable car system in Bristol
Imagine being able to travel from the SS Great Britain to the Clifton Suspension Bridge in just a few minutes, taking a journey between Brunel’s two engineering marvels in a third – but this time utilising state of the art 21st century technology.
A cable car system for Bristol might initially seem far-fetched, but a team made up of experienced transport planners, property professionals and architects has been working behind the scenes for several years on a plan that they passionately believe will work.
The route along the Floating Harbour, across the Cumberland Basin, through the Avon Gorge and up to Clifton is also just the first phase of a scheme which could one day see cable cars connecting different corners of the city.
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What would initially begin as a tourist-focused project as early as 2020 could in the next two decades act as a key commuting route from Temple Meads to as far afield as Hengrove, Avonmouth, Filton and Emersons Green.
The Clifton Cable Company has been founded by architect David Rhodes, property professional James Broome and transport panning consultant Richard White.
The Whiteladies Road-based firm estimate that the first phase of the scheme would cost between £15m to £20m, which would be privately funded.
Rhodes, Broome and White have already been in lengthy discussions with a French company, POMA, who are the world leaders in cable car technology and believe that the system could work very well within Bristol’s urban environment.
A number of large pylons would have to be erected to allow the route to connect different parts of the city, with stations needing to be built in areas such as the Cumberland Basin.
The Clifton Cable Company believe that a station here could help facilitate the redevelopment of the area with integrated transport, as part of the city council’s Western Harbour plans.
2,500 people per hour could travel on the new system initially, rising to 4,000 people if it proves successful.
The view from inside a possible cable car station at the Cumberland Basin
Broome said: “We believe that this is a pivotal moment for Bristol as it looks to deliver new infrastructure and housing to serve future generations.
“This scheme would be provided by the private sector and would not require council money. It would significantly enhance Bristol’s tourism offer and enable commuters to travel around the city centre sustainably, which will help alleviate traffic congestion, and will provide wider economic benefits for the city.”
POMA UK sales manager Vincent Carrie said: “In Bristol, as all around the world, cable car technology can be integrated into the urban network and is upgradable and recyclable with low energy consumption.”
Cable car schemes are already tried and tested in cities including New York, Rio de Janeiro and Singapore, with other schemes planned in Gothenburg and Amsterdam.
In Medellin in Colombia, an innovative cable car system has helped link previously disconnected parts of the city:
The Clifton Cable Company have yet to hold high-level talks with the city council. A spokesperson at City Hall said: “This is an exciting idea. We look forward to seeing the plans.”
But the proposed scheme has already got the backing of Destination Bristol chief executive John Hirst, who also sits on the newly formed Bristol Transport Board.
“I see this as an ideal chance to promote Bristol even further as a city that links key points with cable cars,” Hirst said.
“It would be interesting, exciting, different and would speed the process of people moving around the city during these challenging transport times.”
Hirst added: “I do realise, however, that there will be some challenges and this is why I think we should all now be giving this serious consideration.”
Read more: Vision for world class transport system in Bristol
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