Redcliffe Wharf is one of Bristol’s most ‘iconic’ sites, just below the beautiful church of St Mary Redcliffe and close to the city centre. It was once at the very heart of Bristol’s maritime activity, and it was there that the ‘Matthew’ was built in recent years. It is now an unoccupied area of tarmac and derelict buildings, used as a temporary car-park.
The Wharf project was created in collaboration with Alastair Sawday of Sawday’s and Canopy and Stars to create a temporary creative activity for the empty site in a prime location of Bristol.
Alastair Sawday describes the project as having, “…the potential to become a symbol of Bristol’s dynamism, her capacity to innovate and put ideas into practice, and her drive to become a genuinely green city. The Wharf could also become a beacon for the European Green Capital Year of 2015 – with the project transferring to another site if the Wharf is no longer available.”
The Wharf project was developed at a rapid pace in early 2014 to help inspire the Council and residents of Bristol of the full potential of what such a public space could offer the city. It has received an extraordinary level of support from the Council, Bristol Mayor, public bodies and the community.
It comprises of:
- ‘smart living’ pod showcasing emerging sustainable home’s technology
- A ‘smart food’ venue, showcasing local, seasonal food.
- A ‘smart energy’ play zone showcasing renewable energy system.
- A ‘smart sleeping’ zone, or pop-up hotel, with rooms to rent in eco-pods or tents
- Space for demonstrating low-cost eco-architectural designs.
- Spa area (with hot tubs and yoga) and swimming pool in the harbour.
The Wharf project optimises Bristol’s search for a sustainable future, part of the Mayor’s ‘laboratory of change’ – and could be part of our engagement with the European Green Capital award.
This is a project for the residents and visitors of Bristol: A project that can take root anywhere in the city. A Nudge delivered project, keeping to our ethos, of:
- Must be fun
- Must inspire
- Must be about people
- Must enhance the social, economic and environmental attributes of a place.
