Bristol’s high streets are at the forefront of a new campaign to support the business sector’s recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which gets under way next week.

Where’s it to? Bristol’s high streets, launched on Monday (24 May), aims to rebuild and strengthen the city’s reputation as a visitor, shopping and leisure destination by raising the profile of the independent traders throughout the city’s high streets and centre as they emerge from the national lockdowns.

The opening phase of the 12-week campaign will focus on the city centre and 14 high streets including Old City, Arnside Road (Southmead), East Street (Bedminster), Church Road (St George), Clifton Village, Stockwood, Fishponds, Filton Avenue, Gloucester Road, Mina Road, Two Mile Hill, Shirehampton, Stapleton Road, Brislington Hill and Westbury-on-Trym village.

As well as showcasing different traders and areas of the city, the initiative will also encourage citizens to shop locally, helping to build stronger resilient independent businesses that are supported by their own communities, while promoting COVID-safe behaviours to boost confidence and ensure the public feel safe shopping on their high streets.

Backed by the Reopening High Streets Safely (RHSS) Fund, the awareness project comes following conversations with city stakeholders including the Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), trader groups and industry representatives to understand the needs and challenges facing high street businesses.

The campaign, which will feature a dedicated website, campaign video, posters and social media, will be tailored to each high street, promoting key landmarks and reflecting the culture and diversity of the individual areas, while reflecting the unique quality of Bristol’s visitor, shopping and leisure facilities.

It joins a package of support from Bristol City Council which includes a £4.725 million recovery package to help spearhead the regeneration and recovery of the city centre and 47 high streets throughout Bristol and the authority’s partnership with the council the social media consultant Maybe* offering high street businesses access to social media, tools and training to connect with their audience, increase their customer base and drive sales.

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said: “Supporting our high streets and city centre is essential if we are to see them recover and bounce back from the challenges of COVID-19. Our local high streets provide a vital service to our communities which many residents rely on, and it’s right to see them given the support they need.

“The Where’s it to? Bristol campaign is just one of a series of initiatives in place to help boost the recovery of Bristol’s high streets and businesses across the city.’’