Other Bristol Institutions to Be Saved at The Eleventh-Hour
Bristol has a remarkable history of avoiding huge mistakes at the eleventh hour. Below is a list of examples where efforts to preserve historical landmarks reflect a strong sense of local pride in Bristol’s unique heritage and a commitment to maintaining spaces that enrich the city's cultural identity. Bristol Zoo Gardens can and must be another of example of the city doing the right thing on the eve of doing the wrong thing.
Bristol Old Vic Theatre
Strong public opposition, including protests and advocacy from local residents and preservationists, ultimately saved the theatre. It has since been renovated several times and remains a cultural icon in Bristol.
St. Nicholas Market (St. Nick's Market)
Advocacy from local historians and business owners, combined with the emerging historic preservation movement, helped to protect the market in the 1960s. Today, it is a vibrant part of Bristol's Old City and a popular destination for locals and tourists.
Queen Square
In the 1930s, a road was built through the centre of Queen Square to reduce traffic congestion, which damaged the square’s historic integrity. A local campaign in the 1990s successfully lobbied for the removal of the road. The square was restored to its original state, and it is now a peaceful green space in the heart of the city.
Redcliffe Caves
Local historians and preservation groups have advocated for the caves to be recognized as an important part of Bristol’s heritage. Today, they host occasional public tours and events, helping to raise awareness of their historical value.
Ashton Court Estate
In the 1940s, Bristol City Council bought the estate to prevent private redevelopment. Since then, it has been maintained as a public park and recreational area, preserving its historic landscapes and structures.
The Georgian House Museum
In the 1930s, it was at risk of neglect and potential demolition, but the building was preserved as a museum with the help of local preservationists. It is now managed by Bristol City Council and serves as an educational resource for the public.
Brunel’s SS Great Britain
Launched in 1843, the SS Great Britain was the world’s first great ocean liner, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. After being abandoned in the Falkland Islands, the ship was at risk of total disintegration but a massive fundraising and restoration effort, driven by local and national support, brought the SS Great Britain back to Bristol in 1970. Since then, it has been meticulously restored and is now a popular museum.
Whiteladies Road Cinema
Having been open since 1921, the decision was taken to close down and sell the cinema in 2001 with a restrictive covenant forbidding its future use as a cinema. The building was allowed to deteriorate and was on Bristol City Council's ‘at Risk’ register, deeming it to be in danger of being lost due to lack of use, under-use, disrepair, or dereliction. In November 2010 a not-for-profit company, Whiteladies Picture House Ltd, was set up to raise awareness of the building and its history. The company reached out to the local community to aid in its campaign and were instrumental in blocking the planning application to convert the building into a gym and flats and bringing the building back into the public eye. In May 2016, it finally reopened and is currently operated by Everyman Cinemas.
Clifton Lido
Opened in the 1850s, the pool had fallen into significant disrepair by 1990 when it was closed to the public and was considered for demolition. However, the Lido and accompanying public house were designated Grade II listed building status in 1998 and in 2005 it was acquired by the Bristol Glass Boat Company, who restored the pool with the addition of substantial spa facilities with saunas and other treatment rooms and built a restaurant and café. It reopened in November 2008.
The Llandoger Trow
This historic pub, built in 1664 and famous for its connections to literary figures like Robert Louis Stevenson and Daniel Defoe has faced multiple closures and threats of redevelopment. Local efforts and campaigns have helped to preserve the building as a pub and historical landmark, maintaining its place as part of Bristol’s rich maritime heritage.
Bristol Cranes
The Bristol Cranes, such a notable part of the city’s skyline were almost sold off by the council in the 1970s.
Bristol Suburbs
The outer circuit road proposed in the 1960s would have destroyed much of Montpelier, Cotham and Clifton and was only averted late in the day after increasing public outrage, but only after more than 500 terraced Victorian houses and businesses in Totterdown were demolished in preparation for a huge new roundabout that was never built.