News / southville
‘Pocket park’ transformed
Local residents have restored a ‘pocket park’ giving the community space its first makeover in almost a decade.
Benches, planters and a mural first transformed the pocket park in Southville 2016, but the years since have seen the mural fade and the planters degrade and collapse, despite continuous efforts of residents to maintain them.
The recent renovations on Upper Perry Hill include brand new planters and a bench, both made from recycled plastic, a new watering system and a mural painted by artist Andrew Burns Colwill.
is needed now More than ever
The mural took 60 hours to complete and includes various famous landmarks of Bristol like the Clifton Suspension Bridge, hot air balloons designed by residents, and even one neighbour’s hamster.
The transformation was organised by a group of volunteers who raised £10,000, as well as additional support from the Arnold Clark Community Fund, Asda Foundation, Avon Gardens Trust, Barratt Redrow, the Secret Gardens Fund and the National Lottery Community Fund.
Community organisers (from left to right) Tomas Jankowski, Isabel Kearney and Anais Higgins – photo: Anais Higgins
One of the core organisers, Isabel Kearney, said: “It has been great to see the local community coming together to bring a new lease of life to our Pocket Park with an improved new space for everyone to enjoy.
“Many of our houses don’t have front gardens so we are all really looking forward to gardening and socialising in the new area and providing a home for nature in our little piece of Southville.”
A survey conducted found that 100 per cent of residents had met new neighbours through the project, and 93% now felt more connected to their community. They expressed that the park “adds joy, beauty and a sense of community to the street”.
The pocket park was “soft-launched” this June in the 2025 Bedminster Secret Gardens event, and in July, 80 locals came together to celebrate the makeover with a street party featuring music, crafts and pizza.
Organisers feel that the project highlights the importance of grassroots collaboration and community spaces.
“This space is for everyone – whether you’re gardening, catching up with local friends, or simply enjoying the view,” Isabel says.
“We’ve built something that’s meant to last and grow.”
Main photo: Anais Higgins
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