With the launch of Bristol’s first ever One City Plan in January this year outlining the ways Bristol can create a more sustainable city by 2050, Mayor Marvin Rees was invited by WSP to learn how the consultancy is helping to meet his vision for sustainable growth in Bristol.
The 440 staff at WSP Bristol have so far been involved in a number of projects across the region including the Bristol Royal Infirmary, St Thomas’ Street student accommodation which will be leased to the University of Bristol and are currently working closely with the West of England Combined Authority on various studies.
As well as leading on a number of local projects in Bristol, WSP is supporting the Mayor in reaching its carbon objectives by improving its environmental performance in order to become carbon neutral by 2025.
Of those who joined Mayor Marvin Rees, sustainability expert at WSP Bristol, Barny Evans explained some of the tangible solutions, by considering changes in mobility, digitalisation and mental health, that will enable Bristol’s sustainable growth and to become a ‘Future Ready’ city.
Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol adds, “‘It was great to meet with such diverse and enthusiastic young planners and engineers at WSP today. Knowing that they support and buy into Bristol’s One City One plan is really encouraging.
“We need to harness the technical expertise, knowledge and skills this city has to offer to deliver on the plan, working collaboratively across the city. I also welcome that WSP have set themselves ambitious zero-carbon targets for 2025, and look forward to seeing their current projects come to fruition.”
“We want to help Bristol adapt and prepare for the future”, explains Evans. “With changes in mobility, climate and mobility, we are constantly thinking about the challenges around mass transit, air quality and connections to key destinations in the city and beyond.
“There’s also a key role to play in making it easier for the growing number of people reporting disabilities, to travel and to access all parts of the city’s infrastructure easily to continue to be part of this thriving, productive city.”
Closing the visit, Mayor Marvin Rees was given the opportunity to engage with WSP’s young Professional Growth Network to learn about the work that the next generation of engineers and planners is supporting in the region.
For further information please contact Senior PR Executive Katie Brown on [email protected], 02030572228 / 07899776923
Notes to editors
About WSP
WSP is one of the world's leading engineering professional services consulting firms. We are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower. We are technical experts and strategic advisors including engineers, technicians, scientists, architects, planners, surveyors and environmental specialists, as well as other design, program and construction management professionals. We design lasting solutions in the Property & Buildings, Transportation & Infrastructure, Environment, Industry, Resources (including Mining and Oil & Gas) and Power & Energy sectors as well as project delivery and strategic consulting services.
With 7,800 talented people in the UK and more than 48,000 globally, we engineer projects that will help societies grow for lifetimes to come. WSP has been involved in many high-profile UK projects including the Shard, Crossrail, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Manchester Metrolink, M1 Smart Motorway, the re-development of London Bridge Station, and the London Olympic & Paralympic Route Network.
About ‘Future Ready’
‘Future Ready’ is WSP’s global innovation programme to see the future more clearly and to work with our clients to develop solutions that are both ready for today and for the future we anticipate. It’s a unique programme – covering future societies, technology, resources and climate – delivering stronger client advice and positioning WSP at the heart of creating a future resilient, prosperous and sustainable society. With Future Ready WSP is helping our clients prepare for future realities such as self-driving cars, ubiquitous renewables, ultra-flexible places, more severe weather events and increasing loneliness.
www.wsp.com/uk