The Government said Bedminster's bid, put together by local traders, community leaders and councillors, had the vision of turning the south Bristol suburb into a renowned 'village' centre for street art and street theatre, complete with a bicycle rickshaw service and the ubiquitous review of parking in the area.
Its bid video featured shopkeepers and community leaders, but one of them, Southville community development association chairman Ben Barker, said there was a lot more to it than rickshaws.
"That's part of it, but we want to make Bedminster a destination that people go to, bring street art, street entertainment, a caf� culture and make it a vibrant place for people to meet up, socialise and shop," he said.
"South Bristol has a bad rap – if you look at the tourist map it stops at The Cut and south Bristol isn't even featured. If you listen to some people we might as well be on another planet. But we're close to places like Park Street in Bristol – just a 15 minute walk – and we can make North Street and East Street a real, lively place, involving the young people in the development of these ideas," he added.
'Bemmie', as it's affectionately known in the city, will now get a �100,000 grant and the expertise of Mary Portas and the project team. Local government minister Grant Shapps announced a second round of competition which would see 15 winners.
"I've been deeply touched by both the quality and creativity of the bids and the momentum Britain's first town teams have generated in just a few short weeks," said Mary Portas.
"It is now clearer to me than ever that Britain wants its town centres revitalised and the energy and accountability for that needs to rest with the people who live and do business there," she added.
You can view the Bedminster bid video here...
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