A re-imagined Broadmead will ensure it remains a destination in the heart of Bristol, say city leaders seeking to push the project forward.

Cabinet members agreed, in principle, to grant compulsory purchase order (CPO) powers to facilitate development of the Callowhill Court area, encompassing The Horsefair through to Quakers Friar.

A planning application is already in place and, with further expansion of Cribbs Causeway on the cards, those behind the Broadmead improvement project say it is vital to safeguard the future of the city centre.

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“The most sustainable place for a city shopping area is in its centre,” said Paul Smith, the council’s cabinet member for housing, putting forward a passionate case for the expansion of Cabot Circus at City Hall on Tuesday.

“It is not on the outskirts, not on the motorway, not in somewhere with acres of parking, but somewhere where the majority of people live and the majority of people who travel to the shopping centre will get there by bus, or walking, or cycling, as will those who work there.”

He added that the defence of Broadmead in the 1990s and subsequent development of Cabot Circus was about asserting that the centre should be located in the heart of the city.

“While Cribbs might be convenient for people in north Bristol, it’s not for people in south Bristol and we want a shopping centre that serves the whole city,” continued Smith.

“This development will create new jobs in the centre of Bristol and increase business rates and council tax. We have to be in a position to grow our way out of austerity.”

The outline planning application is for the demolition of existing buildings within Callowhill Court in order to make room for the mixed-use development.

Up to 72 units could be affected and the CPO powers will only be exercised if it is not possible to agree terms with all relevant parties.

While the report focused on CPO powers, Green councillor Charlie Bolton took the opportunity to challenge elements of the planning application, which include more parking provision.

“Given the high levels of concern about dangerous and illegal air pollution, how is the council working to ensure that the way the proposed development is designed and operated will reduce and minimise car dependency?” he said.

“Bristol’s congestion issues are well known and the city’s air quality ranks among the worst in the UK. We are fully supportive of a vibrant, thriving city centre, in which Broadmead plays a central role, but the construction of more car parks in the middle of Bristol seem to be at odds with our duty to ensure that our air quality is safe and legal.”

He was invited to submit his concerns and ideas for consideration in the final design plans.

Read more: First images released of redeveloped Broadmead