Latest plans to restore hidden river in south Bristol

Plans have been submitted to unearth segments of a largely hidden waterway in south Bristol.

Parts of the River Malago in Bedminster have been trapped in a culvert for years while much of it that flows freely has been reduced to a trickle, running through derelict land.

It originally met the River Avon where Bathurst Basin is today before the construction of the Floating Harbour and New Cut, at present making its outfall under ASDA Bedminster’s car park.

Now, a planning application has been submitted by Bristol City Council to restore part of the Malago as part of wider regeneration proposals for Bedminster Green.

The project focuses on areas along Dalby Avenue and Malago Road, Hereford Street, Whitehouse Lane and Clarke Street.

@bristol247 Parts of the Malago River are currently trapped in a pipe, but they could be unearthed in a bid to improve wildlife and reduce flood risk ??? Read more on b247.staging.proword.press #bristol #bristol247 #bedminster #climate #river ♬ Sound of flowing water (ASMR) 3D sound(938614) – MN Field Record

Work aims to “revitalise” urban stretches of the five-mile-long tributary of the River Avon by removing the culvert and bringing the now-underground river back above ground.

The river corridor would be widened too, altering the flow speed to allow vegetation to grow and removing and treating invasive non-native species to allow native species to thrive.

As well as stimulating biodiversity, the work would decrease flood risk in Bedminster by lowering ground levels in the green, installing a grid to trap debris and prevent blockages and stopping stagnation.

The council also wants to create a seating area that will overlook the newly-emerged river and install an accessible path and boardwalk to improve accessibility.

Surrounding the river on Malago Road is Bedminster Green, a major development underway which could see more than 2,300 new homes built. Close-by another regeneration area called Whitehouse Street is in the pipeline.

Writing in mayor Marvin Rees’ blog, Nicola Beech said the plans would “create high quality green space for existing and future residents of the proposed homes in the surrounding Bedminster Green and Whitehouse Street developments to enjoy for years to come”.

The cabinet member for strategic planning, resilience & floods said: “We’ve taken an exciting next step in the regeneration of Bedminster Green and have submitted a planning application to restore a section of the River Malago that will allow us to bring back wildlife and reduce the risk of flooding in the area.”

“Restoring the river is one of the many benefits the regeneration of Bedminster Green will bring to the area, along with building much needed homes in our growing city, making it easier to travel and heat homes more sustainably, and helping to revive the local high street, East Street.”

If the planning application is approved, construction work will take place in phases from 2023.

Main photo: Betty Woolerton

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