A £10 million Bristol footpath project, Harbour Walkway, is branded a scandalous waste due to cost increases and delays.
The path should link the university campus to a ferry stop, and its launch is also behind schedule. The cost increase bothered many people, equaling £24,000 per meter.
The transport committee heard the shocking figure at a meeting on February 6th. Adam Crowther, Bristol’s head of city transport, explained the project.
He said they want to improve access around Temple Meads, which has long been a barrier. A new entrance helps the station, but it does not provide a route through.
Council officials say they will learn from this, though many think it is too late. The project already faces delays and big costs, while the walkway allows movement along the harbor.
It provides a route for walkers and bikers to access the city center. The benefits will grow as the area develops. People online shared their thoughts, too.
Some think developers should pay for it, if needed, while others noted Temple Circus is unfinished. Some think the council always wastes money, and others want people held accountable.
One person asked if the project can be stopped, because it is their money being spent. Others think the council cannot manage money, and some call the waste scandalous.
Another person says Labour ran the council badly, and now, a new administration deals with the mess. The cost comes from a poor contract, and someone called it an embarrassing waste.
One person finds it bizarre and questioned land sales to the university, also mentioning a collapsed parcel of land. Monitoring of contracts seemed minimal.
Another person suggested floating pontoons as an alternative and said the council lacks experienced officers. Someone else believes the council gets away with things.
Another person doubts council officials face any accountability. Someone asks how it can cost so much, thinking of the services that money could have funded.
One person cited incompetence, seeing it firsthand on a smaller project. The council mismanaged a bin enclosure, and the works are half-done and unfit.