News / Castle Park
‘The next steps along the path to creating a better Castle Park’
Castle Park is a green lung in the heart of Bristol.
Before being all but destroyed in the Blitz, it was the beating heart of the city full of homes, shops, businesses and entertainment, but since September 1978 it has been a park.
The park is now looking rather tired, however, but plans are beginning to take shape for a revitalised area.
is needed now More than ever
An engagement exercise called ‘Castle Park Conversations’ aims to “capture the thoughts from people of all ages and backgrounds to help make sure Castle Park is welcoming for everybody”.
A consultation took place in 2022 but these are the next steps to make – in the words of the city council and their ‘engagement partners’, Easton-based Play:Disrupt – somewhere that is kept “green and welcoming” as well as becoming “inclusive, connected, respected, celebrated and strengthened”.
“Castle Park has an important role to play in how people move, connect and spend time in this changing part of Bristol,” says the Castle Park regeneration page of the council’s website.
Several consultations and surveys on Castle Park have taken place over the last 15 years but the council hope that this time it will lead to an actual delivery plan “to make sure Castle Park continues to reflect our changing city”.
Castle Park is named after Bristol Castle, the ruins of which can still be seen – photo: Martin Booth
Corners of Castle Park remain largely unused today – photo: Martin Booth
“Castle Park has an important role to play in how people move, connect and spend time in this changing part of Bristol” – photo: Martin Booth
Castle Park Conversations promises “to look at what’s possible, testing our thinking with local people and businesses to take the next steps along the path to creating a better Castle Park”.
“We’re inviting people to contribute to the next stage of the design process. You can get involved online, offline and in person.
“Many people have already shared their views, and we’ve listened to all feedback.
“Not everything is up for discussion. We’ll be clear about where your ideas can make a difference, especially on play, safety, accessibility and caring for the park.”
‘Castle Park Conversations’ aims to “capture the thoughts from people of all ages and backgrounds to help make sure Castle Park is welcoming for everybody” – photo: Martin Booth
‘Caring’ for the park is part of the plans for the area – photo: Martin Booth
The bombed-out ruins of St Peter’s Church remain at the heart of Castle Park – photo: Martin Booth
A “full day of discussion and activity” is taking place around St Peter’s Church in the centre of the park on October 11.
Among the events happening will be model making and building, “park soundscape”, and guided sensory walks.
There will also be pop-up events in Castle Park on October 3, 7 and 8, as well as three workshops taking place for the communities of Old Market, Redcliffe and St Jude’s throughout October.
For more information, visit www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/planning-and-building-regulations/regeneration/castle-park-regeneration
Castle Park View tower now overlooks one corner of the park – photo: Martin Booth
Wander off the beaten track to discover more reminders of the past – photo: Martin Booth
The Vaulted Chambers – once the entrance lobby to Bristol Castle – will hopefully be brought back to life in the park’s regeneration – photo: Martin Booth
To find out more about the history of Castle Park and the Old City, join Martin Booth on a walking tour: www.yuup.co/experiences/explore-bristol-s-quirkiest-corners
Main photo: Martin Booth
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