Major scheme set to 'reinvent' Longwell Green Retail Park

Construction work on the regeneration of a 12-acre site, which will include three new drive-through restaurants, has started.

Longwell Green Trade Park will also include retail warehouses and a trade zone comprising 18,126 sq ft.

However, some residents are concerned about extra traffic congestion in what is already a busy area.

"It's constant gridlock and people don't always know how to drive round the roundabout," said Zoey Ryland.

The developers said roads around the site would be improved for better access.

The site, adjacent to Longwell Green Retail Park in east Bristol, is being developed by CBRE Investment Management on behalf of West Midlands Pension Fund.

A planning application has been submitted to South Gloucestershire Council for the trade zone and outline planning permission for the development as a whole has already been approved.

The scheme is scheduled to be finished later this year if permission is granted.

Andrew Ridler, partner at the applicant's agents Alder King, said: "This brownfield site, with its dilapidated industrial buildings, has lain vacant for a number of years.

"The owners are now set to reinvent the asset to create a vibrant mixed-use development that will complement the established retail and leisure facilities in this location.

"The early response to the scheme demonstrates strong demand."

However, some residents are worried about the plans.

Ms Ryland said: "This is obviously supposed to promote a green agenda and I don't think it really is when you see the plans.

"I'm not opposed to food places but it's all fast food and I'm a big promoter of healthy eating.

"It's about bringing different things to the area, not the same old stuff we've already got."

Property consultants Alder King said it plans to extend nearby roads to the south to connect into Aldermoor Lane, improving access to the area.

It added the next phase, which is set to include the drive-through restaurants, would be put in place once planning permission had been obtained for the trade zone.

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