Reaction to the Temple Island decision

The decision when it came was a surprise to few who have followed the unfolding saga of the Bristol Arena.

Hopes of building the long-awaited entertainment venue on land by Temple Meads were dashed at Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, with the mayor saying he would not subject public money to the “great risk” involved.

Instead, the council is pursuing alternative plans for a mixed-use development on the site, that include homes, office blocks, a hotel and conference centre, as the option likely to bring the best jobs, value and long-term stability to the city.

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Read more: Revealed: the alternative vision for Arena Island

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It’s fair to say that this little patch of derelict land – and whether or not it should host an arena – has strongly divided opinion and the reaction to Tuesday’s decision has been predictably varied.

Opposition parties have been unanimous in condemning the move.

Eleanor Combley says the decision is a betrayal of democracy

“Unfortunately it is increasingly clear that this mayor has complete contempt for democracy,” said Bristol Green group leader Eleanor Combley.

“Leadership surely means listening to others and not being afraid to change your mind if the evidence points another way – yet instead of putting Bristol first, the mayor has spun every which way in trying to present a decision he took months ago in secret as fair and transparent, and quell disagreements within his own party.”

Sandy Hore-Ruthven deputy coordinator for Bristol Green Party, added: “The decision to ‘explore other options’ for the Arena Island site will do nothing but kick any decision into the long grass.

“A shrinking away from a decision to do anything for the city.”

Mark Weston says the mayor has made the wrong decision

Conservative group leader Mark Weston called it a sad day for the council and the city.

“We believe that the mayor has made the wrong decision and that Arena Island is the best site for the concert venue,” he said.

“The mayor even appeared to agree with this proposition at the extraordinary meeting of council held on Monday. Then, 24 hours later, in a feat of intellectual gymnastics, he has decided to kill off this idea entirely.

“Well, the die is cast, Labour has taken a gamble with the public’s desire to have an arena and over whether this political promise ever gets realised.

“The ball is squarely in Marvin’s court on this.  Henceforth, he must take personal responsibility for anything that goes wrong with the delivery of this project.”

Anthony Negus says the mayor has decided to make a ‘balance sheet decision’

The Lib Dem group also expressed disappointment that “the mayor failed to listen to the majority of councillors and Bristol citizens” and claimed the decision jeopardises the arena project.

Group leader Anthony Negus said: “We are very disappointed that despite the large measure of belief from the people of Bristol and councillors about locating the arena at the centre of the city, to support our growth and opportunities for supportive businesses, the mayor has decided to make a balance sheet decision.

“This does not demonstrate the confidence that he should be giving out for Bristol and sustaining its heart.”

Gary Hopkins, Lib Dem councillor for Knowle, added: “The decision by the mayor is a disaster for the cultural and financial well-being of Bristol.”

Some of the plans put forward by Legal and General for Temple Island

But, there are some high profile supporters of the decision.

Speaking at the cabinet meeting, Richard Bonner, president of Business West said: “We have long supported the delivery of a top class arena for Bristol, but also as a business community, want to see the very best use of public land and public borrowing to bring development forward.

“We therefore consider it has been right to look closely at any public-sector investment for Temple Island to ensure it is best used to unlock growth and jobs, and can also support the city council in provision of front line services, and before committing to action that will impact people who live and work here and challenges the legacy for future generations.

“We have looked over the last few weeks at all the information available and therefore support the option that delivers best value derived from the use of public land and borrowing which is a high quality, sustainable mixed development at Temple Island.”

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Read more: ‘I hope that a mixed us development can proceed swiftly at Temple Island’

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The South West TUC has backed the mayor. Ahead of the meeting, TUC regional secretary Nigel Costley said: “The mayor needs to follow the evidence over the best use of the city centre site for the local economy, especially the number of good quality jobs it can create.

“An arena will, inevitably, be a dead space for much of the time and on its own offers no magic bullet for Bristol’s divided economy. The area around Temple Meads needs developing but whatever is built must boost local jobs and skills.”

He added: “The mayor should agree a construction charter with unions to ensure decent jobs and apprenticeships.”

Bristol University’s plans for a £300m campus

The University of Bristol, which is building a £300m campus in the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone, has also tentatively given its blessing, saying in a statement at the meeting: “At a time when tremendous investment is being made to grow our city, we welcome a high-quality neighbouring development that will help turn Temple Quarter into an inspiring and inclusive area that benefits the city and region.

“We know the arena proposal, and the mixed-use residential and commercial proposal, will both complement the university’s activities in different ways.

“What is crucial is that a decision is made that realises the potential of Bristol as a vibrant city with a strong local economy, and where communities reap the benefits of investment.”

Meanwhile, some have been left frustrated that the arena has taken up quite so much time and public debate. with campaigner Oliver Fortune saying: “I find it frustrating that something as crucial as housing, something that really affects people’s lives, has been shoved to the back of what is a bumper cabinet meeting so that the arena can be debated.”

One things’s for sure, we won’t have heard the last of the matter.

Read more: It’s official: there will be no arena at Temple Island