We’ve made some great progress in the improvement of the Bearpit, helping to transform it from a run-down, rather hostile environment to a more welcoming and vibrant space.

Over the summer people have been enjoying the food that the Bearpit traders have been providing. Recently, new flights of steps have been opened providing attractive additional entrances into the space from road level from both Stokes Croft and the City Centre.

The work on the Bearpit is by no means finished yet and there are plans for further improvements to turn the Bearpit into an even better community space, with the help of funding and support from volunteers. The vision comprises a number of new elements, including mosaics created by local artists, a community hub to provide to provide a space for community meetings and classes, play elements including table tennis, skateboarding ramps and chess boards. There are also plans for a performance space and art gallery, community gardens as well as new signage and recycling facilities.

The photomontage above was created by Noma, who are architects that have interpreted the ideas of BIG, and won a commendation at the Royal Institute of British Architects Green Manifesto Photography Exhibition.

We’ll be posting more details about the various elements of the improvements over the coming weeks.