Who are we and what do we do?

Bristol Civic Society is an independent, voluntary organisation that exists to improve Bristol’s built environment and celebrate its heritage. We have existed as a society for over 100 years.

Through our working groups, we seek to influence the development of major sites, and new planning and transport policy. And we monitor planning applications. New group members are always welcome. 

Our Manifesto for Bristol [PDF] describes some key high-level principles that unite us when we work to make Bristol a better place.

We put on a varied events programme. In addition to this website, we publish Better Bristol (in the spring and autumn each year) and send out (by email) regular e-bulletins and event notifications. We are an active and friendly organisation with over 400 members from all walks of life.

Forthcoming Events

Latest Posts

Corcorde
Past Events

Video of Zoom talk, Bristol Aerospace Museum: 26th May 2021

On:
Dovercourt Development
Planning Issues

Dovercourt Road

On:
20 Minute Neighbourhood logo
Events

Zoom talk, The 20 Minute Neighbourhood, 29th Sept 2021

On:
Baltic Wharf

Baltic Wharf

Planning Issues /
The Society agrees that this site offers a good opportunity for housing but we have concerns over the height and design of the proposal and its impact on the neighbourhood.
Plot 5 Bedminster Green

Plot 5 Bedminster Green

Planning Issues /
The Society is concerned with the height of buildings in Dandara’s development on Plot 5, Bedminster Green, which comprises apartments and mixed retail, eating and community uses.
Video of Bristol Tram Zoom event: 12th May 2021

Video of Bristol Tram Zoom event: 12th May 2021

Past Events /
Roger Harrison will give a Zoom presentation on the case for trams in large cities, and how they might suit Bristol.
Image of Mary-le-Port-Street

West end of Castle Park

Planning Issues /
The Society strongly supports the redevelopment of the Lloyds Bank, the Bank of England, and the Norwich Union Buildings site at the west end of Castle Park.
West Car Park at Bristol Zoo

West Car Park at Bristol Zoo

Planning Issues /
The Civic Society is supportive of a proposal to develop the existing West Car Park at Bristol Zoo for a residential project.
Old rail depot, Clanage Road update: May 2021

Old rail depot, Clanage Road update: May 2021

Planning Issues /
Bristol Civic Society continues to consider that the current design of Clanage Road development is bland and inappropriate in such a location. The planning application was subsequently approved by Bristol City Council.
Remembering William Friese-Greene

Remembering William Friese-Greene

Blue Plaques /
Members from Bristol’s film community gathered on 5th May 2021 in remembrance of Bristolian motion-picture pioneer William Friese-Greene, on the 100th anniversary of his death on 5th May 1921.
Changes for drivers in Bristol

Changes for drivers in Bristol

Planning Issues /
Alan Morris explains the complex changes for drivers in Bristol’s city centre and paints the broader picture behind the headlines. Some changes will meet strong resistance.
A trilogy of Clifton walks: 25th May - 17th June 2021

A trilogy of Clifton walks: 25th May – 17th June 2021

Events /
Gordon Young offers a guided early summer walk of the Clifton commemorative plaque sites and the people behind them.
Study walk in Shirehampton: 9th June 2021

Study walk in Shirehampton: 9th June 2021

Past Events /
A walking tour of Shirehampton led by David Martyn, Senior Conservation Architect, Bristol City Council, will cover its history and architecture.
Video of Cumberland Basin Zoom event: 21st April 2021

Video of Cumberland Basin Zoom event: 21st April 2021

Past Events /
A video of a Zoom presentation by Geoff Wallis on the industrial and maritime heritage in and around the Cumberland Basin.
Bristol Civic Society Social: 17th August 2021

Bristol Civic Society Social: 17th August 2021

Events /
The Bristol Civic Society Summer Social event, which was cancelled in 2020, is back. It will be held this year at The Observatory.