First hour: news review: Opinion: Why Bristol has been short-changed by the arena decision. The chair of Bristol Hoteliers Association explains why Bristol has been short changed - Bristol Arena: âContempt for democracyâ and âbalance sheet decisionâ - reaction to plans to scrap city venue - The decision is both loved and loathed - News that Bristolâs long awaited arena will not be built in the city centre has provoked mixed reactions. From hailing Bristol Mayor, Marvin Reesâ bravery to claims of an abuse of democratic process - feelings about the decision are running high. The Labour Mayor officially passed plans to scrap the arena project on Temple Island at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, September 4. Instead the council will push forward with asset managers Legal & General to develop a conference centre, hotel, housing, offices and shops on the land. The news has been welcomed and criticised in equal measure. Conservative group leader, Mark Weston, has voiced his concern at Mr Reesâ decision. âWe believe that the Mayor has made the wrong decision for the city - The Arena Island is the best site for the arena,â Mr Weston said. âThe Mayor even agreed with this on Monday night. Then 24 hours later in a feat of intellectual gymnastics his cabinet decided to kill off the whole idea. âThey are taking a gamble with the cityâs desire to have an arena. I am afraid that Bristol has once again been let down by Labour.â
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