New warehouse in Bristol could overlook tidal lagoon

A new warehouse on the Central Park development could be adjacent to a tidal lagoon in the Severn estuary if the proposed project receives a £3 million EU grant this summer. Bristol City Council is working with Sedgemoor, West Somerset and Cardiff councils to present the ambitious bid this summer. The tidal lagoon proposal comes a year after a tidal barrage project was dismissed. Tidal lagoons have the advantage of being smaller and not spanning the entire river but could still provide the same amount of power. They do this by sectioning off a large area of the estuary with a concrete wall then driving turbines as the tide fills them up and the same when the tide has ebbed and they let the stored water out. The lagoon project has the backing of the Bristol Port Company who had opposed the barrage project due to fears it would affect shipping. The Severn estuary has the second highest tidal range in the world and, over the years, there have been a number of proposals as to how best to harness this vast natural resource. Bristol Council believes this project would create jobs, boost exports from the city and bring huge economic benefits. Being so close at Central Park we watch with interest.