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Central Ward Councillors Sibusiso Tshabalala and Ani Stafford-Townsend have secured £195,750 in Community Infrastructure Levy funding to improve facilities and public spaces across Bristol Harbour.
The investment will support two priority projects, an upgrading of facilities for the residential boating community at The Grove, and accessibility improvements to the historic John Sebastian Lightship, home of the Cabot Cruising Club.
Councillor Tshabalala, who chairs the Area 4 Committee and serves as Vice-Chair of the Harbour Committee, said the funding reflects a practical commitment to making the harbour work better for everyone.
A total of £68,950 will upgrade the facilities block at The Grove, improving toilets, showers, recycling, chemical toilet disposal, secure post boxes and bicycle storage. The project recognises that for many people, the harbour is not just a place to visit, it is home.
A further £126,800 will support accessibility and public realm improvements around the John Sebastian Lightship in Bathurst Basin. This includes £68,000 for a disabled chair lift and structural works on the lightship, alongside £58,800 for safer lighting, paving repairs, improved bins and better access around the quayside.
The Cabot Cruising Club welcomed the funding, saying:
“For many years, our beloved lightship has stood as a beacon of togetherness, moored firmly at the intersection of Bristol’s past and its bright future. We believe the club offers something quite magical to the area, a unique blend of historical preservation and lively, modern fellowship.”
Councillor Sibusiso Tshabalala said:
“Bristol Harbour is one of our city’s greatest public spaces, but it must work for everyone. “This investment is about dignity, access and practical improvements. It supports people who live on the harbour, opens up one of our historic assets to disabled residents and visitors, and makes the surrounding public space safer and more welcoming.”
Councillor Ani Stafford-Townsend added:
“These are the kinds of improvements that make a real difference day to day better facilities, safer walkways, improved lighting and access to heritage. “Community Infrastructure Levy funding should be used to make growing areas more inclusive, and this investment does exactly that.”
Sibusiso Tshabalala is a Bristol civic leader connecting resident voice, public benefit and community investment to build fairer, more democratic neighbourhoods and city centre.
More about Sibusiso
“For many years, our beloved lightship has stood as a beacon of togetherness, moored firmly at the intersection of Bristol’s past and its bright future. We believe the club offers something quite magical to the area, a unique blend of historical preservation and lively, modern fellowship.”