Bristol News by HANA - Edition 31

Bristol Bites: Beguiling, bemusing and beautiful

Bristol News by HANA - Edition 31

Bristol Bites: Beguiling, bemusing and beautiful

Bristol is a city that beguiles, bemuses and befuddles in equal measure. It is a place that, to borrow from The Bard, sums up This Scepter’d Isle (occasionally sceptical, thanks to Bristolians).

Perhaps only in Bristol would you get wind of anti-sexist surfers and people forced to live in caravans – all in the same newsletter.

Investment in beautiful Bristol remains robust. Turner and Townsend’s expansion in the city is terrific – hundreds of local jobs to be created (read below for more details).

Pride is supposed to be one of the Deadly Sins. I am making an exception for our beloved Bristol.

Rhidian Wynn Davies | Editor in Chief

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Mark Riley CEO Hana News

Databox

  • Here are some key data points on parks and green spaces in Bristol:

    • The proportion of residents visiting parks or green spaces at least once a week has dropped by 4 percentage points to 53%. This decline suggests potential barriers to access or changing patterns in how residents engage with these spaces and opportunities

    • City-wide satisfaction with Bristol's parks and green spaces has decreased to 70%, continuing a downward trend over recent years. In the most deprived areas, satisfaction is even lower at 45%, highlighting a significant 25-percentage-point disparity between different communities.​

Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Bristol this weekend…

A beautiful Bristol harbour view

Hyper-local news articles

Meet the Bristol women challenging sexism in surfing

Bbc - April 21, 2025

Laura Crane, a prominent big wave surfer from the UK, has overcome scepticism and sexism in a male-dominated sport to advocate for women's inclusion in surfing. Initiatives like "Sister Sessions" at Bristol's The Wave foster a supportive community for women surfers, empowering them to build confidence and skills while promoting accessibility and camaraderie, as highlighted by figures like Jenny Jones and Zoe Smith.

Read more at Bbc (4 mins)

Turner & Townsend boosts UK Bristol office

Turnerandtownsend - 

Turner & Townsend is expanding its Bristol office from 6,780 sqft to 16,538 sqft to accommodate growth in the South-West, increasing employee numbers from 200 to 661. The modern workspace will feature smart meeting rooms and wellness areas, all just a short walk from Temple Meads Train Station.

Read more at Turnerandtownsend (2 mins)

Landmark Bristol city centre office scheme completes

Yahoo News - April 23, 2025

The Crescent Centre at Temple Quay in Bristol has been revitalised with a striking new façade and modern amenities, including a business lounge and rooftop terraces, while OVO has made it their new UK headquarters. With a focus on sustainability, the development aims for BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings, featuring the city's largest private garden and secure bike parking for 164 cyclists.

Read more at Yahoo News (3 mins)

Bristol cannabis rave slammed for 'awful music' and told it 'doesn't represent the community'

Daily Mirror - April 24, 2025

The Bristol Cannabis Club has distanced itself from the chaotic '420 Day' event in Castle Park, criticising the takeover by free party crews and the use of hard drugs, while local residents voiced frustration over noise and litter. Co-founder Alister Flowers emphasised the need for proper licensing to preserve the original spirit of the celebration amid complaints and police intervention.

Read more at Daily Mirror (4 mins)

Wife pays tribute to bricklayer husband crushed to death under wall while working with his son

Bristol Live - April 23, 2025

An horrific death struck in Bristol on September 4, 2024, when bricklayer Paul Oakley, 64, lost his life following a wall collapse while working with his son, Sam. His widow, Betty, has turned to Irwin Mitchell lawyers for answers, grappling with her profound loss as a Health and Safety investigation unfolds.

Read more at Bristol Live (3 mins)

Transcendence with Adrian Utley at Strange Brew, Bristol

UK Jazz News - Transcendence with Adrian Utley at Strange Brew, Bristol - April 18, 2025

Bristol's Strange Brew club recently hosted the debut of a new jazz quintet featuring Adrian Utley and Arnie Somogyi, delivering an unforgettable 100-minute set filled with original compositions that meld influences from Herbie Hancock with captivating grooves and collective improvisation. Their performance showcased the band's unique sound and impressive synergy, particularly highlighted by Paul Booth's standout solos on soprano sax.

Read more at UK Jazz News - Transcendence with Adrian Utley at Strange Brew, Bristol (3 mins)

More van dwellers set up home in another camp in Bristol

Express.co.uk - April 21, 2025

A growing community of around 20 van dwellers has set up near Cribbs Causeway in Bristol, contributing to a staggering 300% increase in the local population since 2019. In response to resident complaints about litter and behaviour, authorities are considering establishing a dedicated site for the community while planning welfare visits to better understand their needs.

Read more at Express.co.uk (1 min)

Bristol City Council receives £2.5m in Cumberland Road bus gate fines

BBC News - April 22, 2025

Bristol's Cumberland Road bus gate raked in over £2.5 million in fines from January 2024 to April 2025, with more than 60,000 violations recorded as part of the city's effort to combat air pollution and encourage public transport.

Read more at BBC News (1 min)

Keir Starmer condemns deadly Russian attacks on Ukraine during visit to Rolls-Royce in Bristol

Bristol Live - April 24, 2025

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine following a deadly Russian attack, while emphasising the need for a unified front in support of Ukrainian sovereignty. Amidst escalating tensions and contrasting viewpoints from global leaders, the UK remains committed to a resolution that respects Ukraine's terms for peace.

Read more at Bristol Live (3 mins)

The Bristol city centre car parks that could be demolished for housing

Yahoo News - April 22, 2025

Bristol City Council is set to redevelop five public car parks into hundreds of homes, including student accommodation and affordable housing, with plans for striking 20-storey tower blocks replacing multi-storey car parks. Key projects include the transformation of Rupert Street and Portwall Lane sites, aiming to enhance community spaces while reducing existing parking facilities.

Read more at Yahoo News (6 mins)

Sport

Bristol Bears

The Bears. The rugby team that sums up the city that is Bristol. Madcap and manic. Beguiling and bewildering. At their best, they conjure up images of Wales from the 70s or France from the 80s. At their worst, they crumble to a 19-36 home defeat on Easter Sunday to Leicester Tigers, which saw them fall to third in the premiership table, jeopardising a home tie in the play-off semi-finals. Next up: a tough one against Northampton Saints away on Saturday at 5.30pm.

Bristol City

City did themselves no favours by losing 3-1 to lowly Luton last Monday. But The Robins remain in fifth in the battle for a Championship play-off place. Next up: League leaders Leeds away. Not an easy gig.

Bristol Rovers

Rovers now find themselves in the League One relegation zone after a frustrating 0-1 loss to Stevenage. Next up: Reading at The Mem. The Pirates really need to win this one (Saturday 26 April, kick-off: 12.30pm).

Property

The 'suddenly cool' Bristol suburb where house prices have quadrupled

Bristol Live - April 20, 2025

Bedminster, once a working-class suburb of Bristol, has experienced dramatic gentrification over the past two decades, with house prices soaring from £80,000 to around £444,326, as new developments and a burgeoning cafe culture attract young professionals. While areas like Bedminster Parade retain their roots, North Street has emerged as a vibrant hotspot, reflecting the neighbourhood's ongoing transformation and increasing appeal.

Read more at Bristol Live (5 mins)

The most affordable streets in Bristol's 'poshest' area where homes sell for millions

Bristolworld - 

Stoke Bishop, celebrated as one of the UK's most affluent neighbourhoods, offers families and professionals a perfect blend of suburban charm and urban convenience. With its picturesque surroundings, excellent schools, and strong community spirit, this desirable area in Bristol is ideal for those seeking a high quality of life.

Read more at Bristolworld (1 min)

Inside nuclear UK 'war room' up for sale with apocalypse equipment frozen in time

Daily Mirror - April 18, 2025

A unique chance to own a piece of British history has emerged as one of the UK's last remaining nuclear "war rooms" in Bristol is set to be auctioned on April 23, with bids starting at £50,000. This fascinating 8,000 sq ft bunker, built in 1953 and featuring decontamination showers and steel blast doors, offers potential for diverse redevelopment projects, from residential spaces to recreational facilities.

Read more at Daily Mirror (3 mins)

Landmark Bristol city centre office scheme completes

Business Live - April 23, 2025

The Crescent Centre in Bristol's Temple Quay has been beautifully redeveloped, featuring modern design elements and sustainability-focused amenities, including the city's largest private garden and secure cycle parking. With OVO Energy as its first tenant, this state-of-the-art space offers flexible office solutions, making it an attractive hub for businesses seeking collaboration and innovation.

Read more at Business Live (3 mins)

Bromford and Wain Homes celebrate successful partnership at Bristol development after final Shared Ownership residents move in

Insidermedia - 

Excitement is buzzing as residents move into a new 150-home development near Bristol, featuring Shared Ownership properties that make homeownership more accessible for individuals and families. This initiative aims to tackle housing shortages while fostering a vibrant community filled with diverse living options and local amenities.

Read more at Insidermedia (1 min)

What’s on in Bristol this weekend?

Sundowners at The White Lion Terrace

All photos are credited to Mark Riley unless otherwise specified.

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