Thornbury Investment Plan
Our programme of investment into Thornbury will support a sustainable town centre that is fit for the future, improve air quality, make it easier for people to walk and cycle to and from the high street, and improve parking for residents, businesses, and visitors.
Securing the future of Thornbury High Street is key to:
- supporting recovery from the pandemic
- embracing opportunities from active travel
- supporting local jobs
- boosting the economy
- making the high street a central, attractive, accessible place for the whole community
Throughout this process we are working closely with stakeholders including residents, businesses, Thornbury Town Council, and new groups such as our equalities representatives, to develop a high street that is fit for the future.
The vision is for Thornbury High Street to:
- be welcoming for all
- provide retail, residential, leisure and culture that encourages people to explore and stay longer
- support walking and cycling
- have one-way motorised vehicle access including buses
- support economic activity
- be accessible for those with disabilities
Read answers to frequently asked questions about the Thornbury investment plan.
Updates will also be posted on our Facebook and Twitter accounts and through Nextdoor.
Project news
Street furniture
The completion of the project is scheduled for Spring 2024, the final element is the installation of the street furniture which includes , bins, seating, benches, cycle stands, and planters , as well as lining to the carriageway, including loading and Blue Badge bays. Thornbury in Bloom has received a grant from the Council to introduce sustainable new planting into the High Street.
View the layout design and photo of the high street:
Older project news
Talking to the high street team
In spring 2022 we held 4 face-to-face engagement sessions for people to come and talk to us about the proposals for future investment in Thornbury High Street.
We had 77 visits including representatives from the Christmas lights committee, the chamber of commerce, the residents association and the accessibility and equality group.
We are in ongoing, regular, communication with organisations and individuals including Thornbury Town Partnership, local businesses, the town council, and local councillors.
Traffic Regulation Order
The image below shows the high street following changes for the permanent Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) which came into operation on the 23 November 2023.
The new TRO includes the following:
- no motor vehicles, except for access, between Castle Court and The Close
- one-way southbound motor vehicles to access the parking/loading/waiting bays
- cycles can travel in both directions
- a restricted parking zone (apart from loading only, limited waiting and disabled parking bays)
- shared use parking – parking for anyone for a limited waiting time (as per the parking signage) or for parking permit holders
- a 20mph speed limit covering the high street and nearby roads
Buses returning to the high street
Following feedback from the public, businesses and stakeholders, we are planning for buses to return to Thornbury High Street. Discussions are ongoing with bus operators around routes and stopping points.
You can read more on the announcement.
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Project timetable
What is currently happening
- ongoing communication with stakeholders
- ongoing support to the businesses on the high street
- repairs to paving work
- installation of street furniture
What has been completed
February 2024 – resurfacing work at the northern end of the High Street where it joins The Plain, looping round to Quaker Lane and along Rock Street
December 2023 – planting completed in Rock Street car park
October 2023 – bus shelter installed on High Street
June 2023 – electric vehicle charging points installed in Rock Street car park
May 2023 – construction completed in Rock Street car park
March 2023 – construction begins on High Street
March 2023 – High Street designs published
October 2022 – Thornbury quilt square drawing competition
August 2022 – Summer Stories in the square and treasure hunt
August 2022 – St Mary Street car park resurfaced
June 2022 – work on the Highway Improvement Scheme (Rock Street, Midland Way, Bristol Road)
June 2022 – full business case for Thornbury High Street published
information gathering from high street businesses
July 2022 – full business case approved by WECA Joint Committee
March 2022 – full business case sent to WECA
March 2022 – work completed on the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) roadworks for the high street and surrounding area. Read the TRO.
February 2022 – inclusion of this funding into the council’s budget was given unanimous cross-party approval by South Gloucestershire Council during the Full Council meeting
28 January 2022 – £4.577 million of funding secured from the Economic Development Fund to progress the vision for the future of the high street
December 2021 – Christmas high street campaign
19 November 2021 – £4.5million bid submitted to WECA for consideration
17 November 2021 – Traffic Regulation Order approved view the consultation and report
1 September to 25 September 2021 – consultation on the proposed Traffic Regulation Order
28 July 2021 – Experimental Traffic Regulation Order
24 July to 18 September 2021 – bee trail to support activity across South Gloucestershire high streets
14 July 2021 – Thornbury High Street equalities group established to inform High Street design
7 June 2021 – high streets vision approved by Cabinet read the report.
March 2021 – electric vehicle charging points in St Mary’s Street car park
8 June 2020 – Emergency Traffic Regulation Order
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Further information
If you have any questions or if you would like further information, email highstreets@southglos.gov.uk.
Find out more about the traders on Thornbury High Street.