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

Planning Issues

Old Market Street

On:
Planning Issues

Redcliffe Quarter

On:
Planning Issues

Longmoor Village: July 2021 update

On:
Ashton Gate: July 2021 update

Ashton Gate: July 2021 update

Planning Issues /
The Society comments on an application for the demolition of the existing buildings immediately to the west of the Ashton Gate Stadium and development of a sports hub, hotel, offices, housing and multi storey car park.
Easton Road development

Easton Road and Lawrence Hill

Planning Issues /
The Civic Society supports proposals for 72 dwellings and commercial space in Easton Road and Lawrence Hill, Old Market, Bristol.
St Mary le Port: update July 2021

St Mary le Port: update July 2021

Planning Issues /
The proposal for the St Mary Le Port site is not an appropriate design response to this sensitive site located in Bristol’s historic core.
Guided Walk of the New Cut: 30th July 2021

Guided Walk of the New Cut: 30th July 2021

Events /
Ed Hall will lead a walk down the Avon New Cut, starting close to Brocks Bridge and ending at Cumberland Basin.
Visit to Ashton Court Deer Park: 22nd Sept 2021

Visit to Ashton Court Deer Park: 22nd Sept 2021

Events /
At this visit to Ashton Court Deer Park, Head Ranger Mark Cox will talk about the Park.
A visionary headmistress is honoured

A visionary headmistress is honoured

Blue Plaques /
A blue plaque to Eleanor Addison Phillips has been unveiled outside the Reception Office of Clifton High School. It has been supported by Bristol Soroptimists, the Rotary Club of Bristol and Clifton High School.
Survey of members

Survey of members

News /
The Bristol Civic Society surveyed its members in June this year. Of a membership of 577, 140 responded, a very encouraging response rate.
Blue plaque for Sturge sisters

Sturge Sisters blue plaque

Blue Plaques /
A blue plaque celebrating the lives of Emily and Elizabeth Sturge will be unveiled on 21st June 2021 at the former Redland High School.
Second study walk in Shirehampton: 7th July 2021

Second study walk in Shirehampton: 7th July 2021

Past Events /
A second opportunity to join a walking tour of Shirehampton led by David Martyn, Senior Conservation Architect, Bristol City Council, will cover its history and architecture.
A trilogy of Clifton walks: 29th June - 12th August 2021

A trilogy of Clifton walks: 29th June – 12th August 2021

Events /
By popular demand Gordon Young offers a further set of guided summer walks of the Clifton commemorative plaque sites and the people behind them.
Corcorde

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

Past Events /
At this Zoom event former Concorde engineer Lindsey Henniker-Heaton will give a presentation on ‘An introduction to Aerospace Bristol’.
Dovercourt Development

Dovercourt Road

Planning Issues /
Goram Homes has proposed a brownfield development for 120 – 150 homes on land owned by Bristol City Council, a former depot off Dovercourt Rd, Horfield.