Bedminster in South Bristol has been named as the region’s only successful bidder in the first round of the Government’s ‘Portas Pilots’ – an initiative to get TV retail guru Mary Portas to help revitalise town centres.

More than 370 towns bid for the money and the right to be part of the pilot, the 12 were chosen by the department for local government.

Bedminster’s bid was put together by local traders, community leaders and councillors and has the vision of turning the suburb into a renowned ‘village’ centre for street art and street theatre, including a review of parking in the area. 

Southville Community Development Association chair, Ben Barker, said "we want to make Bedminster a destination that people go to, bring street art, street entertainment, a café culture and make it a vibrant place for people to meet up, socialise and shop,”

Bedminster will now get a £100,000 grant and the expertise of Mary Portas and the project team.