A document to depict the work the Group have done in the last 4 years and the aspirations we are working towards.

1. background progress
Not all that long ago the area of St James Barton
roundabout, colloquially known as ‘The Bearpit’
became the subject of research, where it scored
consistently highly as an unsafe area in the city of
Bristol.
The dank, dark subways that linked the shopping
strip of Broadmead to the vibrant area of Stokes
Croft were avoided whenever possible, despite the
police statistics proving that relatively little crime
was taking place. It was the fear of crime that was
preventing the public from lingering in the space.
With the support of Bristol Civic Society and the
People’s Republic of Stokes Croft, an initial meeting
was held in 2010 with a mixture of residents,
amenity groups, the Council and police
representatives. The Bearpit Improvement Group
was formed to implement ideas and prospects for
the Bearpit.
A few years on and the beloved Bearpit has been
nurtured into something to be proud of. Go and
see the change for yourself.
workstreams:
tRADE
GREEN
HERITAGE
ART
PLAY
Trade has been a key transformation
to the Bearpit. With the addition of 2
shipping containers and our 1979 VR
Double Decker Bus it’s starting to be a
sought out trading area!
Greening will be what will make the
Bearpit feel like the oasis many of us
see. From edible plants to native
wildflowers and fruiting trees the
Bearpit will become a rich and lush
flora haven.
The history of the St. James Barton area
is a colourful one. Early 2015 we will be
unveiling the heritage panels.
The Bearpit Improvement Group works
closely with the People’s Republic of
Stokes Croft to bring thought provoking
art and turn the Bearpit into the most
exciting outdoor gallery.
Play in the Bearpit is a workstream we
hope to develop lot more once the works
will be done. Our table tennis table was
a huge hit and we’ll have the chess table
soon return.
TRADING
2010-2013
- Market Stalls, huts & shipping Containers
- Tables and chairs
2014
- Bus craned into the Bearpit
- Bus refurbishment
PHYSICAL RE-DESIGN + MAINTENANCE
2010-2013
- Phone kiosk removed
- 3 shipping containers & outdoor power supply
- Points for Zapp stands (market stalls)
- Temporary floodlighting
2014
- Resurfacing & stairs
- Improved lighting & service connections
- Walkway/cycleway
- Cycle parking
PUBLIC ART (VISUAL)
2010-2013
- Artboards in tunnels and ramps
- Adshels
- Changing gallery of art
- 2 exhibitions
- Bear sculpture
- Bear prints
2014
- Photography exhibitions
- Stokes Croft Arts Festival tunnel takeover
- Bear statue repainted
- Heritage Panels (to come)
PERFORMANCE ART, MUSIC,
OTHER EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
2010-2013
- Julian Trust Charity fundraiser
- Zombie event
- Occasional one-off events
2014
- Wildflower mobile garden launched
GREENING
2010-2013
- Mobile planters donated by Groundwork SW
- Christmas tree & décor donated by Soil Association
- Sponsored hexagon planters
2014
- the People’s Garden (mobile planters full of native
wildflowers with incorporated seating)
- Collaboration with Incredible Edible Bristol planting in
existing planters
PLAY
2010-2013
- Table tennis table
- Cubes (UWE play project)
- Small chess/backgammon
2014
- Big Chess Set

2. Current future
October 2014
The Bearpit Improvement Group have been working in
collaboration with Bristol City Council over the works.
We’ve worked hard on getting the best design to make
the space attractive and functional .
As you can see, the works are progressing. A new
paved surface is being laid. There will be some
changes to the layout of the raised areas, new
lighting, and there will be steps down into the space
from a new walkway/cycleway round the edge at road
level. The ramps and subways will be retained. You
can see a plan of the works at Bear Fruit’s unit in the
Bearpit.
The works are due to be completed by end 2014/early
2015. We are sorry for the disruption caused over
most of 2014, but we hope you will think when it is
finished that it has all been worthwhile. Bearpit Social
and Bear Fruit will continue to trade whilst the works
continue, and the bus cafe will be opening soon!
These are some of the things we’d like to implement going
forward. Some may take months and some years
nonetheless the Bearpit Improvement Group will continue
in striving to create a safe, welcoming, inclusive and
diverse space for the community. Many of these objectives
will depend on funding in order to establish the
infrastructure to eventually create a thriving and
sustainable hub.
TRADING
- Enterprise Hub
(4-6 small units with a mix of retail and food)
- Established Traders
- Regular Market Days
- Events
PHYSICAL RE-DESIGN and
MAINTENANCE
- Toilets conversion
- Artistic/playful lighting
- Play facilities
- Performance space
- Water fountains
PERFORMANCE ART, MUSIC,
OTHER EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
- Launch of the Bearpit after works
- Curated Events Programme
- Arts programme with Hand In Glove
GREENING/PLANTING
- Community Forest Garden
- Fruit Trees
- Wildlife Habitats
- Collaborating with Incredible
Edible Bristol
If you’re interested in the work we do, check out bearpitimprovementgroup.co.uk