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Better Bristol
The Bristol Civic Society Magazine - Issue 16 Spring/Summer 2020
Inside
l Should Bristol become
a high-rise city?
l Clean Air
l Nightlife under threat
l 50 years of the SS Great Britain
l Roll up for the Circus
l Climate Crisis
an independent force for a better Bristol
Contents
The chairman writes
CHAIR
Bristol Civic Society is facing up
Front Cover:
Twenty-six
storey tower
to the challenge of succession 3
planning, writes Simon Birch.
on the former
ambulance
I
station site.
Photo:
Mike Manson. n Issue 15 (Autumn /
16-17 22-23 Winter 2019) I reported that
the Society is leading the
Bristol Civic Society: Who’s Who 3 16-17
The Chairman writes Roll up for the circus! way in terms of the breadth
General Enquiries Bristol Civic Society is facing up Nic Billane takes a look at the and range of its activities.
Membership Secretary: David Giles to the challenge of succession history of the traditional circus
0117 9621592 planning, writes Simon Birch. and how the format is evolving.
Membership continues to grow,
membership@bristolcivicsociety.org.uk 4-5 18-19 and new members report that
Should Bristol become
General Enquiries: Alan Morris a high rise city? Bristol night life they are attracted by the array
enquiries@bristolcivicsociety.org.uk Tall buildings are bad for the and venues under threat of events and visits and by the
environment, and bad for We must be vigilant,
Organisation happiness. Matthew Montague says Annie McGann. opportunity to learn about the
Chair: Simon Birch Pollock reports.
20-21 continuing development of
chair@bristolcivicsociety.org.uk 6-7 SS Great Britain the City.
Secretary: Mike Bates Planning Applications Eugene Byrne looks back at an
John Payne, from Bristol Civic Yet the Society cannot stand still. It
secretary@bristolcivicsociety.org.uk epic adventure, and at the role
Society’s Planning Applications now needs to work out how to replace
Treasurer: John Jones Group, highlights some the ship plays in Bristol today.
one of its key activists – John Frenkel
treasurer@bristolcivicsociety.org.uk recent issues. 22-23 has recently announced his intention
Communications and Events 8-9 Climate Crisis to step down as convener of the Major
Major Developments in Bristol Maggie Moss highlights the Sites Group. This is a very active group
Events: Nic Billane John Frenkel, convenor of Bristol conflict between traditional
events@bristolcivicsociety.org.uk Civic Society’s Major Sites dealing with pre-application enquiries.
growth economics and the
Group, gives an overview. realities of tackling the At its February meeting there were
Better Bristol Editor: Mike Manson nearly 50 major sites on the agenda!
mageditor@bristolcivicsociety.org.uk 10 Climate Crisis.
The Bristol Arena With 12 members present at that meeting
Webmaster: David Demery A tale of two Bristol Civic 24 we will jointly investigate how we wish Llandoger Trow closed and looking rather forlorn.
webmaster@bristolcivicsociety.org.uk Society events by Simon Birch. Emerging plans for Temple
Meads station to continue. We are all agreed that this is development project.
Web and E-Mail Bulletin Editor: 11 There now seems to be some a key group influencing developments to contribute to our review, or indeed
Alan Morris St Michael’s on at the earliest possible stage and that its to any of our activities, please do get A number of you have been in
momentum towards specific
webeditor@bristolcivicsociety.org.uk the Mount Without plans for Temple Meads station, work must continue - and flourish. in touch. Many posts can be shared touch enquiring about the future of
Restoration is underway and so that the workload doesn’t become the Llandoger Trow, that historic
Building Awards Scheme: Simon Birch writes Alan Morris. And John Payne, convener of the
requires a range of specialist seventeenth century public house located
unduly onerous. I look forward to
awards@bristolcivicsociety.org.uk skills, writes Simon Birch. 25 Planning Applications Group, has also
hearing from you. in the heart of the City in King Street. The
Blue Plaques: Gordon Young 12-13 A blue plaque for Iris indicated his wish to hand over his building is closed and is looking rather
plaques@bristolcivicsociety.org.uk Preserving our Murdoch responsibilities in due course. PAG is
architectural heritage Gordon Young describes how the Campaigns forlorn but we are told that the City
another well attended and very busy
Campaigning Claudia Feher and Callum typeface used on blue plaques is Council is making sure that security on
group with opportunities to learn much Work on St Michael’s is well advanced
Major Sites Group: John Frenkel Sinclair photograph two designed for the job. the building is tight and that options for
buildings at risk. about the planning system and about – see page 10. We are optimistic that the
johnfrenkel5@gmail.com 26 the future are being actively explored.
14 current planning proposals. venue will be ready to host our AGM in
Public Spaces, Transport and Planning: Obituary We are keeping a watching brief.
Innovate and collaborate We celebrate the life of John We intend to take the opportunity to early June.
Alan Morris
alan@morrises.fastmail.fm
for a carbon neutral Bristol
Samantha Nicol, Head of Innovation Sansom. review how we deal with all the range
of consultations - major sites, planning
Progress on resolving the future of Simon Birch
Planning Applications Group: John Payne at Bristol Energy, describes three 27 Ashton Court Mansion is slower than
applications, planning policies and Chair, Bristol Civic Society
city-wide initiatives. Join us! we would like. But at least the City
johnpayne997@btinternet.com transport. chair@bristolcivicsociety.org.uk
Heritage Forum: Steve Davis
15 The Bristol Civic Society Council does recognise that decisive
The Council decides needs you. You need us. And of course, before too long the action is required - we watch this one
Steve@noma-uk.com on a Clean Air Plan Better Bristol was written before the
28 Society will also need a new Chair! with great interest!
Alan Morris asks Coronavirus pandemic arrived. Many
Links with Other Bristol Groups is it worth having? Events We would love to hear your ideas on We remain an interested bystander
Planning Network: of the issues in this edition may be put
addressing any of these matters. So on the future of Western Harbour,
networkadministrator@bristolnpn.net EDITOR ADVISORY PANEL Copy date for on hold for the moment. But we will
please email them to me. Even better, waiting for the optimum moment to
Mike Manson Alan Morris, Eugene Byrne, next edition return to them when normal service is
Bristol Walking Alliance: Alan Morris if you have an interest in getting more become involved in what is likely to
mageditor@bristolcivicsociety.org.uk Nic Billane, Simon Birch. 1 August 2020. resumed. Ed
enquiries@bristolwalkingalliance.org.uk involved in the Society and would like become a long running transport and
Conservation Advisory Panel: DISTRIBUTION TEAM All articles in Better
DESIGNER
Bristol are the opinion
Stephen Wickham
stephen_wickham@btinternet.com
Tracey Feltham
info@quirecreative.co.uk
Led by John Payne.
of the author. Articles Not already a member? Why not join TODAY!
PRINTERS don’t necessarily
Historic England: John Frenkel Sebright, Bristol. reflect the views of See page 27 for more details...
johnfrenkel5@gmail.com Bristol Civic Society.
BRISTOL CIVIC SOCIETY www.bristolcivicsociety.org.uk
Should Bristol become
• Embodied energy usage in Australian • ‘Traditional’ rather than ‘modern’ Create Streets: evidence from controlled
FEATURE
FEATURE
office buildings is 60% greater in high- building designs.
studies, 1962-2007
rise than in low-rise. • Buildings with colour. Association Total % % %
a high-rise city?
• Energy intensity also increase with • Small squares rather than number showing showing showing
height in UK blocks of flats. large squares. of high rise no high rise
studies ‘bad’ link ‘good’
• Computer models of energy use do • Green suburbs (though the stress of
4 not appear to predict these effects. commuting can completely undo the
Satisfaction 12 92% 0% 8% 5
with home
• The densities achieved by tower associated increase in happiness). Levels of mental
Tall Buildings
strain, crowing, 19 66% 21% 11%
Tall Buildings
The conclusion of the three expert speakers at the Bristol Civic Society’s March 5 buildings can generally be achieved in • Mid-rise buildings rather than
stress, optimism
slabs or courtyard buildings of less than high-rise.
event was an unambiguous no. Tall buildings are bad for the environment, and half the height. Each of these effects is highly
Depression and
more serious 5 100% 0% 0%
bad for happiness. Matthew Montague Pollock reports.
W
• Much energy could thus be saved supported. Collectively they greatly mental health
by building lower, without sacrificing outweigh income effects. Interestingly, Suicide 4 50% 50% 0%
ith lots of graphs density. Create Street’s findings demonstrate Behavioural
and charts, this was the considerable distance between the problems for 5 80% 20% 0%
Next speaker up was David Milner of children
a research-heavy Create Streets, an urbanism think-tank
predispositions of many architects and
Levels of crime 6 50% 50% 0%
evening. Much of the tastes of ordinary people. Many
founded in 2013 by Nicholas Boys Fear of crime 2 50% 0% 50%
architects prefer tall and modern
the information was surprisingly Smith, who was recently co-head of the
building designs, while research Pro or anti-social 5 100% 0% 0%
new. One wondered why no-one government’s Building Better, Building
shows that than most ordinary
behaviour
asked these questions before. Beautiful Commission. people prefer mid-rise buildings, and
Levels of social
engagement and 16 75% 13% 13%
First up was Professor Philip Create Streets are quiet revolutionaries, traditional designs. social capital
pioneering the collection and creation
Steadman of UCL, an expert in of quantitative research, which is
The evidence is also clear that tall Children’s progress
in high-rise
11 91% 9% 0%
buildings’ energy usage. buildings cause greater loneliness and
increasingly available and, in their more depression, are not optimal for Total 85 78% 12% 11%
Steadman has compiled an extraordinarily view, highly necessary given that children, are associated with social
large data set of 612 UK office buildings, architecture and planning largely lack a materials but of transporting them to
relations that are more impersonal and
new and old, large and small, air- tradition based on empirical evidence, the building site is so large that it could
where helping behaviour is less than in
conditioned and naturally ventilated, to at least as psychologists or the sciences take 50 years at least before even a
other housing forms. ‘Crime and fear
compare their energy usage, using actual would understand such evidence. very ecologically friendly new building
of crime are greater [in tall buildings],
energy consumption figures. This had not actually becomes sustainable.
Create Streets has gathered evidence and…they may independently account
previously been done before anywhere in Bennetts confessed that he himself
which looks at how building forms for some suicides’, notes an important
the world.
Tall buildings’ shadows tend to block neighbouring buildings’ light, so they need to occupy extra space. can increase human interaction and survey by Robert Gifford (2007) quoted had not been guiltless. Tasked with
The results were a big surprise. Tall happiness. What proportion of health by Create Streets which concludes: “the master-planning an Islington canal-
buildings use dramatically more energy brought into use. A group in Australia tall building (FSI = floor area, divided
looked at embodied energy and height might be derived from the environment? literature suggests that high-rises are side site he had sought to reduce
than other buildings on an ongoing basis, by land area used), i.e. tall buildings do
in office buildings, studying two low-rise About 40%, according to US research. less satisfactory than other housing heights and density on the canal by
in fact 100% more energy per square not in practice provide extra density.
And what built forms add pleasure, forms for most people.’ completing the area with a 25 storey
metre. Their carbon emissions per square offices on 3 and 7 storeys, and two high- This can be intuitively demonstrated by
rises on 42 and 52 storeys. On average, encouraging sociability and happiness, Third speaker up was Rab Bennetts, building. But as the site was sold on
metre are more than twice as large. Tall re-arranging Foster and Partners’ 41 and
the embodied energy per square metre and improving mental health? who led us from Le Corbusier’s and the design passed from developer
buildings in fact never use less energy, 36 storey 250 City Road scheme into
of floor area was 60% greater in the tall • Trees and green - but preferably futuristic vistas to the “international to developer the building got taller
except in the case of one Foster building an 8 storey courtyard building. Both
where the architect has effectively office buildings. So their construction has green in smallish spaces, with private style” of today’s globalised high-rise and taller, setting a precedent for 2
schemes would occupy the same land cities, including the social housing of more neighbouring high rises which
encased one tall building inside an extremely high environmental impact green. areas, or areas shared among
space, and yield the same usable areas, the 60s, and the towers of Dubai, Hong have since totally overpowered the
another, obviously a highly expensive in terms of energy and carbon use. rather few people (e.g. a small park).
and have the same FSI, even though one Kong, Panama, and the City of London. local environment.
undertaking. Steadman was surprised by We are often told that to densify urban • Streets with no or only slow-moving
is massively taller than the other.
this result, because existing theoretical space we need tall buildings. But this motorised traffic. With long experience as the founder of What should be our ambition? To
models of energy usage forecast that too is an illusion, argues Steadman.
Steadman’s research the UK’s leading sustainability practice, re-use old buildings. To use natural
tall buildings should be mildly more suggests that: • Streets with active facades rather than Bennetts stated that more emissions
Tall buildings’ shadows tend to block materials which absorb carbon, so
energy-intensive, using around 15% extra dead spaces. happen during the construction stage
neighbouring buildings’ light, so they • Energy usage intensity in UK office as to achieve a zero carbon footprint
energy. Conclusion: the computer models buildings increases with height, and • Symmetrical buildings, with detailing than during the entire working life of almost from the word go. Seemingly an
need to occupy extra space. So in real
that architects use to forecast ongoing and decoration. the building. almost impossible ambition. But one we
life the typical mid-rise building has is doubled going from 5 storeys to 20
energy use are highly misleading, when
the same Floor Space Index (FSI) as a storeys and more. • Views of water. The typical cost of not only the should aim for.
tested against real-world observations.
What is the reason for the extra energy Foster and Partners, scheme for The same floor area The climate emergency
use? Lifts only use 3% of a tall building’s 250 City Road: towers of 36 and 41 on the same site in an Low-rise High-rise
energy, so they don’t explain it. Maybe storeys, plus 7-storey blocks. 8-storey courtyard. l Lower embodied carbon l More structure, cladding, lifts
the air-conditioning? No - the effect l Simpler, more robust, adaptable l Higher energy (eg ventilation)
survives even if you separate out non- l Lower maintenance l Long term maintenance issues
airconditioned buildings. So what is the l Lower energy l Less adaptable
reason? Though this is speculative, the l Much more costly
most likely reason appears to be that tall
buildings are exposed to cold air and
wind in winter, and heat in summer,
because they stick up. So they need
more heating and more cooling.
Tall buildings also use more “embodied
energy”, i.e. energy consumed during
construction, before the building is The construction of tall buildings has an extremely high
environmental impact in terms of energy and carbon use.
BRISTOL CIVIC SOCIETY www.bristolcivicsociety.org.uk
Planning
FEATURE
FEATURE
John Payne, from
Bristol Civic Society’s
Applications
Planning Applications
6 Group, highlights some 7
recent issues.
Planning Applications
Planning Applications
Planning application references for of a proposed HMO would be
each proposal are given in brackets. resisted.
The Council’s draft There are also proposals to
secure a satisfactory standard of
planning advice for
accommodation in new HMOs.
dealing with houses
in multiple occupation There is no guidance in the SDP
(HMOs). to indicate where HMOs would
be more appropriate. Such areas
Proposals to convert conventional could include the city centre and
houses into HMOs are regular accommodation above shops and Left, The
items on the Planning Application similar premises in the smaller Jamaica Inn.
Group’s (PAG) agendas. The centres of Bristol. There is
Society, therefore, welcomes continuing
the Council’s publication of a News of applications pressure to
convert pubs
draft Supplementary Planning Redcross Mews into housing.
Guidance Document (SPD) on Proposals to convert conventional houses into HMOs are
this issue. We welcome the regular items on the Planning Application Group’s agendas. An imaginative development has Besides objecting to the loss of the maintain the public house use or at as a dance and performance centre is
broad thrust of the SPD. Our been proposed to replace eight public house use at The Jamaica Inn, least a community use. The scale of the long overdue.The works to restore its
response can be read on vacant one-bed houses with a the Bristol Civic Society also considered proposal is also too large for its location appearance are also beneficial to the
www.bristolcivicsociety.org.uk 4/5 storey building containing 34 the three storey building inappropriate and the plan would over-develop the St Michael’s Hill and Christmas Steps
There is a legal definition flats including 5 affordable units in an area where there was a site to the detriment of its occupants Conservation Area.
of HMOs in the Council’s (19/06226/F). The flats are mainly predominance of two storey buildings. and the neighbourhood.
1 and 2 bed flats but with some 3 Digital advertising screens
document but essentially an The grey brick work proposed also An extremely welcome proposal for St
HMO exists where a house bed flats. The proposal includes bears little relationship to surrounding PAG has considered applications for
upgrading Redcross Lane, linking Michael’s Church on St Michael’s Hill
is occupied by a number of properties. Finally, the proposal would a number of large 6mx3m and over
Old Market and Redcross Street, (19/05170/F) has been enthusiastically
unrelated people who live offer very little open space to its digital screens in recent months and
and the design of the building supported by the Society. Another has objected strongly to them all in
separately but share common occupants. article in this Better Bristol is devoted
facilities like kitchens, bathrooms steps down towards Redcross terms of their harmful visual impact
Lane to reduce its impact on There are numerous local objections to this development (see page 10). and the increased danger they would
and living rooms. to the proposals for the Windmill Suffice it to say here that the restoration
this narrow walkway. In liaison pose to road users. These include
HMOs, like accommodation with the Old Market Community pub. Once again, the Society seeks to of the Grade II* Listed church for use proposals for Clifton Down
for students, are a useful Association, the Society has shopping centre (20/00174/A),
element of the housing stock supported this scheme which will Newbridge Road, Netham
providing flexible, short term both regenerate this part of Old (19/05142/A) and Cabot
accommodation for people do not Market and use the site far more Circus car park (19/04090/A).
want or cannot afford other types effectively. We have urged the The Clifton Down shopping
of tenure. However, there can be applicants, however, to integrate centre application is still
harmful impacts on communities the affordable housing with under consideration. Bristol
from HMOs particularly where the market housing rather than Civic Society welcomes the
there are concentrations of them. having a separate entrance for it. Council’s refusal of the other
These can include noise and proposals but the applicants
disturbance, unsightly waste Protecting community have appealed against the
and recycling management, uses and activities. decisions with the outcome
loss of privacy for neighbours unknown at present. An
There is continuing pressure
due to more overlooking and earlier application for two
to convert pubs into housing.
reduced highway safety arising screens near Totterdown
Sometimes this also involves the
from excessive on-street car Bridge on Bath Road
demolition of the pub building.
parking. Residents of HMOs, if (19/04821/A), one of which
Through PAG, the Society
they are short term occupants, was recommended for
might also be less inclined to get Redcross Mews. The proposal includes upgrading Redcross Lane. generally objects to the loss of the permission, has been deferred
pub use but, if the Council is convinced
involved with local community issues by the Development Control
• If adopted, they will aim to prevent that a pub is unviable, we seek a
thus reducing the social cohesion of an Committee, many of whom
non-HMO houses from being replacement community use. Examples
area. All of these factors can change the objected to both of the screens.
sandwiched by HMO proposals; over the last few months include The
character of an area. Jamaica Inn (formerly The Inkerman),
The policy proposals of the Council’s • Proposals which would lead to a Grosvenor Road (19/06175/P) and the Left, St Michael’s on the
draft SPD aim to prevent concentrations concentration of HMOs exceeding 10% Windmill Public House at Windmill Mount Without. Restoration
of HMOs. There are two main policies: of the dwellings within 100 metres Hill (19/06116/F). work is underway.
BRISTOL CIVIC SOCIETY www.bristolcivicsociety.org.uk
Major Developments in Bristol
MS Group
MS Group
John Frenkel, convenor of Bristol Civic Society’s
Major Sites Group gives an overview.
8 29 - 32 Portland Square, St 9
Paul’s (see Better Bristol issue 14,
Spring 2019.)
Major Developments
Major Developments
This terrace of four houses has been
Bristol’s longest running ‘building at risk’,
blight. The Council has granted planning
permission for student accommodation
for the redevelopment of this site. The
Society hopes that this scheme is built, the
buildings remain at risk.
New Arts and Social Sciences Gardiner Haskings. The Society supports the
Library, Hawthorns Hotel Site, redevelopment of this large and important site.
Woodland Road, Clifton.
The Society supports the development Bristol University - Temple
of a library on the former Hawthorns Meads Campus – student
Hotel site but regrets that we cannot accommodation
support this proposal which would be (see Better Bristol 15, Autumn 2019.)
much larger than the library in the 2006 The University has planning
Masterplan, which the Society supported. permission for student accommodation
From a lower base, the Library would in three blocks that rise between 9
Permission was refused to University Hospitals Bristol for a new 820-place car park. be taller than the Senate House. The 29-32 Portland Square. Bristol’s longest running ‘building at risk’, blight. and 21 floors at Temple Island on the
building would dwarf its neighbours south side of Cattle Market Road.
BRI Marlborough Street This is both a very sensitive and a very aspects to which the Society objects. The Bedminster Green (See Better
which include the Grade II listed Bristol The Society was disappointed by the
multi-storey car park popular area of the City. There are
Grammar School and would overbear
first objection is the loss of the former Bristol 15, Autumn 2019.)
(see Better Bristol, issue 14, Spring 2019.) the wonderful views to the Gorge, the Homecentre building on Straight Street, architecture. We considered the designs
and dominate the upper parts of Elton Bedminster Green the name for a to be anonymous and without local
Suspension Bridge and to Ashton Court although the new building would retain
Permission was refused to University and Woodland Roads. The mass and development area on both sides of
and the countryside beyond. There are the street façade. The Society supports character. There is no better place in
Hospitals Bristol for a new 820-place height of the proposed building in the Malago Road between East Street
many historic buildings and structures, the Old Market Community Association Bristol for a contemporary architecture
car park. The Society opposed the the Woodland Road/Elton Road area, and the railway. The Society strongly
not least The Floating Harbour and the (OMCA) who object to the loss of the and a landmark building.
application because the scheme would however designed, would seriously supports redevelopment that would
tobacco bonds. In addition, the area has building’s internal fabric. The OMCA
fail to deliver the public benefits that damage the Conservation Area which transform east Bedminster. There is
significant flooding problems. have shown how redevelopment could Bristol University - Temple
the Trust claimed and further overload forms part of the University’s attraction. now an area planning framework to
the local roads which are at a standstill The Society is not against change in convert the whole building to new use. coordinate development to blend this
Meads Campus – academic
for substantial periods every day. Western Harbour and we appreciate The former Gardiner Haskins We also object to a proposed 20-floor new residential quarter into the existing buildings
that the elevated roads and the swing ‘Homecentre’ site, St Philip’s. residential tower at the south east corner urban fabric. Five developers own the The University has applied for planning
Western Harbour (land bridge require expensive maintenance. of the site on the junction of Old Bread development rights. Unfortunately, four permission for the detailed design of the
The Society supports the redevelopment
around the Cumberland Basin) We should like to see the detailed costs Street and New Kingsley Road. developers have made uncoordinated new academic buildings. The Society
of this large and important site that
and justification for not repairing the planning approaches to develop separate supports the design of the two buildings
The Society is very concerned about includes a car park. The redevelopment
existing bridge before we even consider The Arc, Millennium Square plots with buildings that range up to and their setting. The larger building
the City Council’s approach to Western would convert the Grade II listed
the alternatives. If the development does not harm the 16 floors to contain flats and student breaks down into several buildings
Harbour which is not following its own Soapworks Building into flats and also
critical views of the Cathedral, the accommodation. The Society has separated by courtyards within a
guidance for involving local communities There may be scope to release land for deliver, offices, an apartment hotel, and
supported the Windmill Hill and Malago glass curtain wall of different colours/
during pre application discussions and development but in our view the scale retail/food units. A planning gain would Society supports the proposal to erect
Group (WHAM) who desire regeneration
negotiations. We will continue to press of development will be significantly be new north-south and east-west routes a moving observation capsule beside textures with mirror glass sections.
but oppose schemes that overdevelop
for more transparency and for more constrained. The Society is currently that would connect with two internal the Grade II listed, ‘We Are Curious’ The Society has two major concerns.
the sites. Two planning applications are
involvement by the Society itself. waiting for further information. courtyards. However, there are two former Canon’s Marsh railway goods The local road system is already above
now refused and a third developer’s
shed. The capsule would look like a planning enquiry discouraged because capacity many times of day. Although
London Eye flight cabin and hold 42 the schemes have sought to ‘maximise’ the University plans to minimise vehicle
passengers. After the capsule rises rather than ‘optimise’ density and do access to the new campus, it must
to its ‘flying height’ it would move not achieve the planning policy goals of produce additional traffic, including
through a full circle to give passengers successful placemaking, quality design buses, that will incrementally increase
an eye-level view 69 metres above the and liveability. The Society would like to traffic density. There appears to be no
Square of the Harbour and beyond. The think that the developers can reconsider funding for two planned pedestrian
promoters calculate that the Arc could and produce schemes that WHAM and bridges to integrate the campus with the
attract 250,000 passengers a year. the Society could welcome. east bank of the River Avon.
These are the edited highlights of some concentrate on city centre developments Items on the Society’s website have
of the city’s development activity. which affect the greatest number of links to the Society’s full responses.
It is critical for the Society to meet residents and where local representation The MSG meets every six weeks. The
developers of large projects early in is weakest. The Society supports Group needs new members. Please
the design process. MSG tends to development and modern architecture. contact johnfrenkel5@gmail.com.
Left, Western Harbour. The Society is critical of the administrative process. Right, Bristol University Library. The building would dwarf its neighbours.
BRISTOL CIVIC SOCIETY www.bristolcivicsociety.org.uk
The Bristol Arena St Michael’s on the
Restoration is
FEATURE
FEATURE
underway and
requires a range
Mount Without
of specialist
skills, writes
10 A tale of two Bristol Simon Birch. 11
Civic Society events
The Bristol Arena
St Michael’s
by Simon Birch.
May 2016 Unitarian Chapel,
Brunswick Square
The talk we arranged to learn about the
Arena proposals at Temple Meads did
not go well! The rain was torrential, the
crowd was sparse, the laptops would
not connect to the projector. Eventually
project architects Populous and Feilden
Clegg rose to the challenge and gave a
lively presentation simply using their
laptops. Challenging to see the images
I
clearly but the overall message came North roof. New and old timbers. Leaded glass windows being prepared.
across well.
t is heartening to report on Undertaking the task of rebuilding the total there are 18 of these windows to
Questions were unexpected. How could fire damaged roof is Ollie Whitmore, make; quite a challenge!
this constricted site accommodate large
the phoenix arising from aged 34, with a geography degree from
the ashes of St. Michael’s! Working in the crypt and charged
acts with their legions of articulated UWE, who met his wife when working with making the crypt fit for future
lorries? Lorry manoeuvring, number of Some three and a half at Kings Weston House. Ollie is self use is Mark Atwill. Mark is a very
loading bays, parking – all these issues The Brabazon Hangar. It is simply immense. Photo Ted Fowler. years on from that disastrous employed and has previously worked experienced stonemason with some
were hotly debated. And all this before for 8 years as a timber framer with a 37 years in the trade having started
we got on to the actual design of the
fire there is significant new commercial company creating timber
February 2020 Brabazon Filton Airfield? Part of the answer lies aged just 17. The work really took off in
Arena – which we found difficult to see life. The church is now framed buildings. Whenever required Bristol during the 1980s as interest grew
Hangar, Filton in the pace of change in this area with
owned by local businessman Ollie is bringing in known associates to
anyway! new housing already being built on in renovating the many old buildings.
A presentation and a visit. Numbers Norman Routledge, of Kings assist at St Michael’s
Was the proposed site really large numerous nearby sites, with Metrobus Mark is working with his son and a
limited by the capacity of the coach Ollie has recently established his own
enough to accommodate this ambitious
needed to access the hangars, IT tried
being extended and with plans for a Weston House fame, who is colleague, repairing the roof parapets
project? Or was the ambition already new railway station. company based in Frome*. The majority and making the crypt fit for purpose.
and tested – presumably by many such working with Quentin Alder, of the work has been on the north roof
being tempered by the constraints of Some mentioned how much better Norman is planning to have St
the site?
presentations! Well argued case for a conservation architect. where a completely new traditional Michael’s open in May, yes this year!
17,000 capacity venue accommodated Cardiff was at planning such large king post truss roof has been fabricated.
Quentin emphasises that a fundamental As an act of faith we have booked the
The meeting did raise the fundamental within the central hangar. Plenty public venues with the Principality It’s possible to see the original
component of the approach to restoring Civic Society’s AGM in the nave for
question of whether the City Council of space for associated recreational Stadium and the Arena located so close eighteenth century pit-sawn timber in
St Michael’s has been the objective Tuesday 2nd June. STOP PRESS. Due to
should be involved in any way with the activities and, of course, for all those to the City Centre. No answer to that some of the surviving timbers
to keep the nave and aisles free of current situation this has been canceled.
risks attached to such a complex and articulated lorries with ample space to one though.
partitions and other clutter. There will Ollie describes how he used Douglas *http://www.
long term project? The question was manoeuvre and to access loading docks. be a completely flat, sprung floor with fir – England sourced. Same as original
left hanging and gave us all cause for Reflections eastsomersettimberframecarpentryco.co.uk/
Great use of an otherwise problematical underfloor heating. Ideal for dance and a timbers. And placed 14 tonnes of ** info@chimneysweepbristol.co.uk
concern. I must admit to a feeling of relief when wide range of other activities and events. timber on the roof!
and historic building. But the key http://www.quentinalder.co.uk/
We were grateful to the architects for challenge remained – how will the the Mayor made his decision about As a consequence, the use of the crypt Inside the church the task of restoring the
their very professional presentation – in crowds actually get there – to this the Arena – no more worries about all is critical to the future operation of the leaded windows is being masterminded
very trying circumstances. rather remote corner of the former those lorries and, more fundamentally, building by providing storage, toilets by Ben Beech, originally from Derby.
about the City Council getting involved and other facilities. There is a need Ben has been a chimney sweep and
with a project way outside its usual to lower the crypt floor by around was working at a property in Bristol
comfort zone. half a metre to provide the necessary where the householder had a badly
I also admit to a feeling of being headroom. And there is a need to damaged stained glass door which was
awestruck when walking into the provide a lift for access and for moving being thrown out as the repair quotes
Brabazon hangar – the sheer size of the chairs and other items. were too expensive. Ben took it home
structure is impossible to convey in Provision for the lift will be and restored it. That was 5 years ago!
words. It’s simply immense. It would accommodated in a semi-circular Specialist supplies are purchased from
provide the setting for an absolutely extension using very different materials Creative Glass Guild in Feeder Road.
superb arena! from the church - in this case bronze- Now Ben works both as a traditional
coated zinc. chimney sweep and as a leaded
Assuming difficult decisions are made glass expert, mostly for domestic
and construction goes ahead as planned, But the really interesting aspect of the
renovation is Norman’s approach to customers.**
I will definitely be getting in line for
carrying out the actual work. Instead When I visited St Michael’s Ben was Ollie
tickets as soon as the Brabazon opens. Whitmore
of preparing bills of quantities, going working alongside his wife, together
out to tender and employing specialist with two friends, all busy fabricating rebuilding
companies, individuals are employed new leaded windows. Not surprisingly the fire-
Left, Temple Island Arena. Was the proposed
directly and bring with them expertise damaged
site really large enough to accommodate this for a city church these are all very large,
roof.
ambitious project? and tried and tested associates. each window measuring 14’ x 5’. In
BRISTOL CIVIC SOCIETY www.bristolcivicsociety.org.uk
Preserving our
FEATURE
FEATURE
12
architectural heritage 13
Photography
Photography
Better Bristol is pleased
to showcase the work
of Claudia Feher and
Callum Sinclair, two local
photography students.
C
laudia and Callum are
currently studying
Professional Photography
at City of Bristol College
(in partnership with Plymouth
University). As part of a second-
year module on Exploratory
Practice they were given a brief on
architectural exploration and asked
to show how photography can
be used as a medium for change
in preserving our architectural
heritage. Here we see Callum’s Above, photo by Above and right, photos by Claudia Feher.
photos of St Michael’s on the Callum Sinclair. Below, photos by Callum Sinclair.
Mount Without and Claudia’s Left, photo by
photos of Ashton Court Mansion. Claudia Feher.
Callum is 21 and
from Taunton.
His subjects are
usually fashion
and youth.
Here he uses
monochrome to
show a beautiful
but unloved
Above, photo by Callum Sinclair. building. (Now
Below, photo by Claudia Feher. very much loved!
See page 11. Ed.)
Claudia is 36 and
from Hungary.
She moved to
Bristol recently
and sees beauty
in old run-down
buildings, trying
to show their
former glory
rather than
documenting
their current
state.
BRISTOL CIVIC SOCIETY www.bristolcivicsociety.org.uk
Innovate and The Council decides
Led by Bristol City Council and Bristol
FEATURE
FEATURE
Energy, City Leap will establish a
joint venture with an as-yet-to-be-
collaborate for a
determined organisation (or group of
on a Clean Air Plan
organisations) to support the delivery
of the UK’s first carbon neutral city. The
14 hunt for a long-term partner began last 15
carbon
year, and with the procurement stage
underway, the council continues to
Climate Strategy
Clean Air Plan
shortlist prospective partners through a
Bristol is now in the first EASTVILLE competitive scoring process. Is it worth
year of its decade-long
neutral
REDLAND Church
Church
Eastville Eastgate
Centre
Tesco Church
Once established, City Leap will having?, asks
countdown to carbon
Market
Church
Alan Morris.
Next Church
support the city’s carbon neutral
IKEA
Redland
Church
Climbing Centre
Church
ambitions, build strong partnerships,
neutrality. Samantha Nicol,
St Werburgh’s Park Nursery
School & CC
create local jobs and empower The decision
Bristol
Park
Church Elmgrove Centre
Head of Innovation at
Church ST. WERBURGHS
communities to play an active role in
Bristol’s Clean Air
Bristol Energy, describes
Montpelier
transforming Bristol’s energy system.
Redland Sports
Centre Library
Plan was decided in
Montpelier
Health Centre Stapleton
Road
three city-wide initiatives.
MONTPELIER
November 2019. The
Heat Networks
Polish RC
Church
EASTON
earlier consultation had
Library
Tyndale Church Charlotte
Baptist Church Keel
Malcolm X Health
Clifton Down
Station
Centre Centre
Church WHITEHALL
asked for views on two
The Limes
Bristol’s Heat Network is a prime
Clifton Down Church Nursery
Shopping
Centre
Salvation Army
Citadel
SPEEDWELL
Bristol City Council N
options, a medium area
ST. PAULS
Heat Networks example of the city taking direct climate
Church
zone in which older diesel
Kingsdown Church
action and working innovatively for a
Church Sports Centre
COTHAM
In Development Energy Centre
commercial vehicles are
N
greener future. Bristol City Council’s
TA Centre
Circomedia
BBC
St Pauls
Church Proposed Energy Centre Church
charged, and a small area
Library
Heat Network is an innovative system
Bristol Holiday
Installed Energy Centre
University of Easton Leisure
Bristol Libra ry Heart Inn
Westbourne Centre
Hotel Institute Magistrates Court St Nicholas of
Sports
REDFIELD
zone in which all diesel
Bristol Premier Bus Depot
hurch Centre St Michaels Bus/Coach Inn Torentino
University of Bristol Hospital Royal Station Church
of underground pipes that transports
Clifton Senate House Infirma ry
Hotel
Victoria Church
University
Dental
Hospital Eye
Church Cabot Circus Library
Installed
Lawrence Hill
Heating Pipe
Rooms
cars are banned between
RWA Art
Gallery Childrens Hospital John Wesl eys Future The Trinity
Hospital Inn Centre
hot water from different sources to
Chapel Avondale
Quakers Church Old Market Network - Phase 1 Office
(B.C.C.)
St Michael ’s Friars
7am and 3pm each day.
Church St Patricks
Hotel Centre
The Galleries
homes and businesses in order to
Du Vin
University
Museum &
University
Cinema Old Market Network - Phase 2/3
Neither option reduced
Art Galle ry Christmas
Steps Church Hotel
Redcliffe Network - Phase 1
heat them, much like a radiator for
Theatre Hotel Hotel St. Peters
Hosp Guildhall
Red Lodge Church Church
air pollution below legal
St Ma ry Ambulance
on the Register Station
University Quay Office
Colston THE DINGS Redcliffe NetworkHealth
- Phase 2/3
Beam Street Social Services,
the whole city. It replaces the need
Crown Court Church
Hall Office & Training Centre
St Stephen’s Corn Street Central Clinic
St Georges Markets
limits soon enough, so
Cabot Tower Bristol St Lukes with
Church Lead Shot Christ Church
CENTRE St Pauls Network - Phase 1
for individual buildings to have their
Tower
Avon Wildlife Lord Hippodrome
St Anne's House
the decision was to go for
Centre Brunel House Fire
Mayors Station (B.C.C.)
Chapel Radison St Thomas
Blu the Martyr
St Pauls Network - Phase 2/3
own heating systems, and often uses
City Hall Hotel Bristol Church
Old Vic Temple
Hotel Barton Hill
both options combined –
Theatre Church
Hotel Trading Estate
Dance
BARTON
Centre
Central
Cathedral
Watershed
City Inn
Hotel Temple Network - In Development ST. ANNES
HILL
heat recovered from industry or from
Library Media
Centre
a ‘hybrid’ option.
Travelodge Novotel
Hotel
We the
Curious
Bristol
Centre TEMPLE City Centre Network - In Development
QUAY
renewable sources.
Hotel
Hotel Ibis
Showcase © Bristol City Council BD11674
Cinema
The local and national
Temple
Arnolfini Meads
ss Great Britain Station Hollywood
& The Brunel Bowl
Bristol’s Heat Network currently
Thekla
Institute Lloyds TSB
media picked up the story, focusing on
St Ma ry
has made concessions to take Plimsoll
Holiday Inn
Redcliffe Hotel
The Matthew
M Shed
ST. PHILIPS AVON
supplies over 1,000 properties with
Hotel
the diesel car ban, which no other city Bridge and the main Cabot Circus car
Spike Island
Artspace MARSH MEADS
affordable, low-carbon heat from a
St Anne's
Church
has adopted. park out of the diesel car ban zone.
B
variety of sources across the city and
Zion House
Politically, it does not look good
Church
SOUTHVILLE The plan is projected to cost a
continues to expand to new areas across
Southville Library
making an exemption for Cabot Circus
Centre Asda RNIB
ristol’s One City city’s green energy supplier, and Bristol staggering £113m to implement, much
Holy Cross
RC Church
the city. Bristol Energy is developing an but not for the BRI, but the BRI is at
Energy Network, who represent many of it from the government, assuming
Sainsbury's
Climate Strategy* was
Bristol
offer with an ambition to become the
South Pool
community energy-focused groups H.T.V.
that they approve the plan. And it will a pollution hotspot. Hospital visitors
city’s heat retailer of choice.
Studios
BEDMINSTER
launched by the One across the city. be a major project for the Council to will be able to apply for an exemption
Bedminster
Church
Federation of City Farms
& Community Gardens St Cuthberts
Church
St Peters
undertake, absorbing resources that for their car so that the number plate is
City Environmental
Methodist Church
Their aim ARNO'S
is toVALEensure that they protect
ACTA
WINDMILL
HILL Library
Energy efficiency might otherwise be applied elsewhere. exempted by the ANPR cameras. The
what makes Bristol special, while
Sustainability Board in making the city an even better place Bristol Energy Network and Bristol Energy All this is the consequence of the council is discussing with the BRI how
February 2020. It describes a to live and work, and ensuring that are working to encourage home and vehicle emissions scandal in which to improve bus services to the hospital.
In some areas pollution is more than 50%
generations to come can live sustainably business owners and businesses to make manufacturers fiddled the tests, and The council has checked the modelling
pathway for Bristol to become in a zero-carbon future Bristol. the subsequent pressure by the EU and
higher than the prescribed limit.
their homes and offices energy efficient. This ‘sticking plaster’ Clean Air Plan results at places outside the zones to
carbon neutral and climate Here we look at just three of the city-wide
Client Earth to take action. answer concerns about displacement of
The Bristol Energy Network member, is welcome, but it is not the whole
resilient by 2030 – a highly initiatives where groups are collaborating: award-winning C.H.E.E.S.E (Cold Is it worth it? answer. The climate emergency
pollution. More work is being done on
mitigations to ease the impact for some
ambitious goal, 20 years ahead City Leap Homes Energy Efficiency Survey
Despite the diesel car ban, the projected
declaration and the 2030 zero carbon
of those affected – exemptions and
Experts) Project is an example of this. It target require a radical change in
of the UK Government. The ambitious City Leap initiative is offers low cost thermal imaging surveys date for compliance with legal limits is scrappage schemes. And the Council
transport in the city. It would be better needs to negotiate with government
It says ‘Our analysis shows that to a strategic partnership that will bring to identify where a home is losing heat as late as 2025, later than other cities.
to have a joined-up plan to tackle air to fund them. Government approval
become carbon neutral we need to £1bn worth of investment into new and provides suggestions for remedies The extensive and complex modelling
pollution, congestion and the climate was due by end January 2020 and the
replace the estimated 160,000 gas boilers energy projects to create a cleaner, to encourage energy efficiency. shows that Bristol has a problem with a
emergency. What is needed is a general council’s full business case was due
across the city with electric heat pumps greener, healthier city. few particular city centre streets – other
Now is the time for places reach compliance earlier. reduction in single-user vehicles so that by February 2020. Both are behind
supplied by renewable
businesses, communities our narrow city centre roads can meet schedule. The projected March 2021
electricity or carbon neutral The 20% to 30% improvement in NOx
and individuals to make the travel demand whilst minimising implementation date may be missed.
district heating’. air pollution by 2025 comes as much
green choices, support local air and noise pollution.
Together, Bristol based from ongoing fleet changes as from the The Council is developing its strategy
carbon reduction initiatives to meet the 2030 zero carbon target,
businesses, community immediate impact of the measures. The
and tackle the climate Further work but it remains to be seen whether the
organisations and Bristol diesel car ban may apply only to the
emergency. Since November, the Council has transport plan is strong enough.
City Council are working inner city, but it will affect car buying
to help the city achieve our * https://www.bristolonecity. decisions wider than that. The value listened to specific concerns, such as
You can keep up to date on the Clean
decarbonisation targets. Key com/wp-content/ of the Clean Air Plan is the highly those of city centre destinations like
Air Plan via the Bristol Civic Society’s
members are Bristol City uploads/2020/02/one-city- visible message that vehicles need to be the BRI hospital and the SS Great website: bristolcivicsociety.org.uk.
Council, Bristol Energy, the The aim is to protect what makes Bristol special. climate-strategy.pdf changed to reduce harmful emissions. Britain visitor attraction. The Council
BRISTOL CIVIC SOCIETY www.bristolcivicsociety.org.uk
Roll up for the circus!
to a grand scale particularly in the
FEATURE
FEATURE
USA by circus entrepreneurs like P.T.
Barnum. Wild West circus shows were
also immensely popular, Buffalo Bill’s
Wild West Show toured and received an
Performing arts in the city embraces a wide spectrum of activity and enthusiastic reception from Bristolians
during the 1891 /92 UK tour and again
16 entertainment, Nic Billane takes a look at the history of the traditional circus in follow-up tours in period 1902-4.
17
The British circus scene in the twentieth
and how the format is evolving, much is happening in influential Bristol.
M
Circus Skills
Circus Skills
century was dominated by household
any Bristolians, decades, the big top may still names like Billy Smart, Bertram Mills
be seen along with clowns, and Gerry Cottle. In 2018 the 250th
young and older anniversary of the circus was celebrated
and acrobats, but the large
may recall the animals, lions, elephants etc. throughout the UK in theatres,
Disney cartoon are gone, replaced by other museums and circuses including Bristol.
Dumbo or might hum along entertainments. The circus world and the acts offered
have moved on, driven by changing
with Nelly the Elephant song, But first a bit of background
market expectations and perhaps
or perhaps attend a festival history. In the dim and Circomedia offer the only 2 year BTEC in Circus in the UK
distant past the Greeks and sympathy for traditional performing
event, or be more familiar with animals. Interestingly Bristol is playing sessions for adults are also proving professional and serious hobbyist circus
Romans offered their citizens popular. So the company is doing well performers. During the daytime to 2-3
a surprisingly influential role in the
the brightly covered Big Circus spectacular forums where developing new and qualified talent, classes are provided for the core group
industry’s future and in the revival of
tops which periodically set up chariot races and gladiatorial and are linked with 25 professional who train and practice their skills on
Evening classes are open to a vetted general public. the circus format. The new approach
combat were on the agenda. Skipping circus, theatre and dance companies, acrobatic equipment with ropes, static
on Durham Downs. The fun, a few centuries, the creation of the variety shows. The tradition of having is to focus on the training of highly
qualified circus personnel, on human contributing to Bristol’s economy trapeze, hoops and Corde Lizze (aerial
excitement and thrill of the first modern circus format is often credited a ringmaster to introduce a variety of
by providing paid work with over silk sheets used to wrap and descend).
acts, usually set to music, was quickly performances, and in the development
visit to a circus usually sticks in to a British cavalry officer Philip
established, and remained almost the of stylistic influences from other 60 people on the payroll throughout Evening classes are open to a vetted
Astley, who in the later part of the the year. Expansion plans have been general public to practice various
one’s mind. performing arts, for instance street
eighteenth century in Lambeth London, universal format until the 1970s. performers. announced subject to fund raising (3-4 circus fitness, flexibility and balance
Bristol continues to attract the big invented the idea of a public show During the nineteenth century and up £million), to move from Kingswood to skills and is proving very popular.
travelling circus shows, Circus Berlin in an amphitheatre for the display of till the end of the twentieth century, In Bristol the Circomedia company the Bottle Yard Studio in South Bristol. Jane Hartoch, who administrates the
and Moscow State have visited in horse riding tricks. Astley expanded the idea of taking a large circus with grew from the roots of the now defunct facility, is very knowledgeable about
Fool Time Company (1986), originally Another intriguingly titled Bristol-
recent years. But the way in which his repertoire, bringing other skilled a supporting cast of exotic animals on the Bristol circus and festival scene
based in St Pauls, which introduced the based company is the Invisible Circus,
circuses operate and the entertainment entertainers such as acrobats and tour by the road, rail and sea to cities and explained that interest started
concept of school for circus. Circomedia now based in Sussex Street in BS20. The
they offer has much changed in recent clowns to create crowd-pleasing and towns across continents was taken to grow in the early 2000s, driven by
was founded in 1993, and is the centre company was created in 1991, starting
the explosion in festivals and soon
for contemporary circus and physical out in Stokes Croft in 2002, and today
attracted local government support.
theatre, based in the city centre in St performs internationally and at major
Bristol, being the regional capital, is a
Paul’s Church, Portland Square and magnet for performers and the South
also in Kingswood. Their objective is The British circus scene West during the summer months is the
to be the UK’s centre for research and in the twentieth century home of festivals such as Glastonbury,
transformational experiences arising was dominated by Womad, and many others. Festivals
from the circus. The Circomedia household names like provide great performance
Academy at Kingswood offers opportunities and Jane estimates that
Billy Smart, Bertram Mills
education through the only 2 year well over a thousand people in Bristol
BTEC in Circus in the UK, provides one and Gerry Cottle.
find employment in the wider circus
of only two Foundation and BA degrees scene. Space doesn’t permit a full list
in circus in the UK (in partnership British Festivals. The company’s ethos
of companies but other spaces for
with Bath Spa University), and claims lies in its roots as a street performance
professional circus training include
to offer the only MA in Directing troupe. The Invisible Circus has grown
Albany Centre in St Pauls, and Unit
Circus in the world. Student enrolment up in arts festivals, street performances,
15 where larger equipment for high
numbers are significant, BTEC course carnivals, and independent creation
trapeze practice can be found.
attracting over 60 students in 2018/19. spaces. It is organised as a community,
drawing together a diverse range of Bristol hosts its own “Circus City”
With a further 46 students in a two year
artists, performers, actors & directors festival. Over the last six years around
Degree course. Recently six students
into a dynamic creative energy. October/November the biennial
completing their MAs have secured
Their combined output is a variety of festival is dedicated to contemporary
great jobs in production and direction
productions from theatrical experiences circus performances. The event brings
of circus industry shows. to full scale circus extravaganzas for together circus and street performers
The Development Agency part of clients like Bristol Old Vic, Circus from across Europe (circus is an
Circomedia in 2018/19 puts on about City organisation, & Glastonbury. The international family). The programme
30 professional performances a company has been involved with the has something for everyone, attracting
year and over 15 student and youth EU’s Erasmus programme over recent new performances and world
performances. Circomedia hosts low years. In 2019 they received EU funding premieres highlighting circus skills in
ticket price scratch nights and the to improve the level of circus teaching drama, music, film, and dance. Look
Richard Award, giving emerging artists throughout Europe. out for the next one in 2021.
a number of opportunities to test out Located in the former Bridewell Police Probably nowadays Bristol can claim
their work in front of an audience. The station, now renamed ‘The Island’ is a to be the circus capital of the UK, and
Circomedia Youth Circus is developing facility which provides a circus training the circus as an entertainment is very
strongly, with 12,000 attendances in the space and equipment suitable for the much alive.
Circomedia, founded in 1993, is a centre for contemporary circus and physical theatre. year. Recreational classes and training needs of the 60 membership group of www.circomedia.com
BRISTOL CIVIC SOCIETY www.bristolcivicsociety.org.uk
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