News / Turbo Island
Turbo Island: vital community space or hub for antisocial behaviour?
The next steps in the battle to save Turbo Island will be taken soon as supporters and critics line up their arguments.
The corner of Stokes Croft and Jamaica Street could soon be protected by getting registered as a ‘town and village green’.
Several statements have been sent to Bristol City Council both supporting and opposing the plan for the site known for spontaneous raves and bonfires.
These variously described Turbo Island as having a “vibe radiating deep tolerance” or attracting drugs, crime and graffiti, “most of which is not artistic”.
Councillors on the public rights of way & greens committee will consider these arguments on Thursday and decide what to do next. A lawyer could be appointed to help them make a decision.
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Supporters of the site say it is a vital meeting place for the community, particularly for homeless people.
One witness suffered “unbearable grief” after their sister died in a car crash, but wandering past Turbo Island found welcoming people which then had a “profound impact”.
They said: “I had lost all interest in life. My head and sight were fixed to the pavement and all I wanted to do was sit and have a drink, or nine.
“As I made my way from Temple Meads to Gloucester Road through Stokes Croft past Turbo Island, I was suddenly floored to the ground by a huge and heavy man. What happened next had a profound impact on my life.
“His friends were apologising profusely for him taking me out while others were asking if I was OK. I was struck by the empathy and concern for both of us, but as I stood up and pulled myself together, it was what I continued to experience that really packed a punch.
“There were all walks of life around this little patch of land. People who, like me, had experienced deep sadness, trauma and misfortune. Alongside them were artists and creatives all etching these stories, enthusiastic students, business owners and posters promoting varying degrees of social justice.
“The vibe radiated deep tolerance, acceptance and understanding. It was as if the people using this space were the city’s true canaries, their health indicating the creativity and toxicity of society.
“I carried on to meet my mother, telling her the story of Turbo Island, how this was exactly where I needed to heal, and how I suddenly felt no shame for my broken state.”
Turbo Island was sold in 2024 to a mystery buyer – photo: Oowee
Another person spoke about how Turbo Island is a hub for the homeless community, providing a space for people to interact and socialise. They added that people often find support from others on the island, being able to sit and chat about their problems.
They said: “I worked closely with a man who spent a great deal of time at Turbo Island during the day and night.
“He was known there by the community and it was a space which allowed him to interact with people who may otherwise ignore him, if he was in places such as the city centre. Outside of this he was often isolated and struggled with his day-to-day life.
“For some members of the public, homelessness only really becomes a problem once it is within their proximity, and they can make the ill-informed decision that moving or changing an area will solve the problem. However, this only serves to sweep people under the rug and disrupt their already challenging and complicated lives.”
Turbo Island once had grass growing on it which was cared for by the local community – photo: PRSC
Turbo Island also has many critics who say it is a hub for antisocial behaviour, crime and drugs.
Objecting to the application to register it as a village green are Avon & Somerset Police, and a printing and advertising company, who both submitted statements.
Lawyers representing Out of Hand, based in Bedminster, who now own the billboards at the site but not the site itself, which was sold to a mystery buyer in October 2024, said: “There is evidence of drug use and drug dealing at the property as well as excessive alcohol consumption, and local police services have been called to the property on a regular basis.
“There is often a bonfire at the property which is dangerous and causes noxious fumes which local businesses have complained about.
“Additionally, the advertising billboard itself has caught fire in the past. The bonfires are burning commercial waste and furniture, thus giving off toxic fumes and pollutants.
“The smoke is also a danger to passing traffic and the smoke from the bonfire drifts across the road and towards neighbouring properties.
“All bonfires were without express authority, and as they have caused some damage to the land, a trespass. The property has graffiti all over it, most of which is not artistic nor adds value to the local area or community.
“The general public are subject to abuse and intimidation from people loitering on the property.”
Former Bristol West MP Thangam Debbonaire, now Baroness Debbonaire, standing on Turbo Island after it was coated in tarmac and had a bike rack installed – photo: Thangam Debbonaire
Other arguments against protecting Turbo Island are down to the quirky laws on village greens.
A fence was put up around the site for about a week in October, when tarmac was laid and bike racks installed. This could technically mean the area has not been accessible to the public, scuppering the chances of the village green application.
The police said registering the site as a village green could hinder their efforts to deal with anti-social behaviour.
They added that 18 unlicensed music events were reported within the space of a year, and becoming a village green could mean they happen more often.
PC Iain Talbot, Stokes Croft beat manager, said: “There have been numerous serious crimes committed at Turbo Island. These include 11 assaults, three robberies and a stabbing within the last 12 months.
“The police feel that the site would not be appropriate to be designated as a town or village green, due to the risk posed to the local community.”
National Grid is also objecting to the application due to a substation on the site.
Councillors on the committee will consider both sides of the argument, and decide whether to appoint a barrister, known as an “inspector”.
The inspector would then report back with their findings on whether to register the land as a village green, and a public inquiry could also be held.
Main photo & video: Martin Booth
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