Bristol Civic Society – an independent force for a better Bristol

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.

Bus stop and car

What’s happening with Transport in Bristol in 2019

News / 1st April 2019

Report of a very well-attended event on 20th March at Broadmead Baptist Church, including the four presentations in PDF format.

BRI car park: March update

BRI car park: March update

Planning Issues / 31st March 2019

A Planning Committee has refused the BRI’s planning application for a multi-storey car park.

Broadwalk, Knowle

Broadwalk Shopping Centre: March update

Planning Issues / 31st March 2019

The proposals for Knowle Broadwalk have generated a large public response which was mainly positive. A planning committee has granted planning permission.

4-16 Clifton Down Road

4-16 Clifton Down Road

Planning Issues / 28th March 2019

There is a fourth proposal by THAT Group to develop this boarded-up island site in the centre of Clifton Village. Former occupants included WH Smith and Splinter’s Café.

Annual General Meeting: 4th June 2019

Events / 27th March 2019

Bristol Civic Society warmly welcomes its members and friends to this year’s Annual General Meeting which will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday 4th June.

Design Awards: 11th June 2019

Design Awards: 11th June 2019

Events / 26th March 2019

The annual Design Awards meeting this year takes place on 11th June from 6.00 pm at St George’s.

Parkview Campus site image

Parkview Office Campus, Whitchurch Lane

Planning Issues / 28th February 2019

The Society supports the redevelopment of this site which was originally built as the HQ building for the former Somerfield Supermarkets.

Baldwin Street traffic

The Council’s Clean Air Plan goes backwards

Air Quality, Campaigns & Projects / 27th February 2019

Following Bristol City Council’s missed end-2018 deadline, there has been an exchange of letters between the government and the council. We now know more about the reasons for the delay.

Designers image of building

Kingsown House and Unity Street

Planning Issues / 21st February 2019

Summix Capital proposes to demolish the site to construct a mixed use scheme including 103 affordable co-living accommodation units.

Bus stop and car

Transport in Bristol : what can we expect in 2019? 20th March 2019

Past Events / 20th February 2019

An expert panel discusses the complex and often bewildering range of transport initiatives in Bristol.

Electric charge point

Future Travel Choices: electric cars and transport on demand?: 15th May 2019

Events / 17th February 2019

Future Travel Choices: electric cars and transport on demand? Perspectives on future travel choices and the implications for Bristol and the West of England.

Little Paradise, Bedminster

Little Paradise, Bedminster

Planning Issues / 15th February 2019

The Society supports the principle of residential development on this site in Little Paradise and Stafford Street but has reservations.