Features / Photography
23 photos of Bristol’s former sorting office before it is demolished
Recognisable to anyone who has ever caught the train at Bristol Temple Meads, the derelict sorting office on Cattle Market Road has stood empty for nearly two decades.
The building was famously described by former Prime Minster David Cameron as looking like an “entrance to a war zone”, but there is still some beauty in its decay.
Before demolition work begins early this summer, these photographers show the sorting office from the inside as only urban explorers have seen it in recent years:
EatDrink24/7 Launch Party is back on July 8 2026!
Exclusive collabs from Bristol’s favourite food vendors, available for one night only. Be first to grab your free copy of the EatDrink24/7 guide – plus every ticket comes with a free limited-edition beer can.
All photos courtesy of Bristol City Council, University of Bristol and Bristol Wood Recycling Project
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
