You probably didn’t know what it was called, but the Centre Promenade is known to every Bristolian. It’s that area filled with three sunken fountains between the Neptune statue and the Cascade Steps. We’ve all hung out there waiting to meet a friend or grabbing a bite to eat from the Harbourside Street Food Market…
But now change is afoot. Back in September, Bristol City Council announced that the fountains were “broken and beyond repair,” and would be filled in to allow for more “space for pedestrians, markets and events.” Now we’re learning that a planned public artwork will transform the surface of the Promenade with vibrant colours, playful shapes, and symbolic motifs.
Tentatively titled Common Ground, it will celebrate Bristol’s multicultural identity and historic harbour. The collaborative artwork is envisioned by Bristol-born multidisciplinary artist Oshii. Designed to be interactive and engaging, the artwork will include elements like games and pollinator-friendly planting, inviting people of all ages to explore and enjoy the space.
“Oshii’s artwork has the potential to become a defining feature of the Centre Promenade and we want it to reflect the diversity and creativity of Bristol,” said Asher Craig, Chair of Bristol Legacy Foundation. “We have an opportunity to create a landmark experience to welcome people to the heart of the city with an artwork that is reflective of the city’s diverse communities and rich culture.”
This project is part of a wider movement by the Bristol Legacy Foundation, which is leading the creation of a permanent memorial at the Cascade Steps to honour the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans. Meanwhile, construction work on the Centre Promenade is set to start early in the new year – which will create a large flat space, add platforms, install planters and new seating, and replace five trees.
This large-scale artwork is set to be a centrepiece of the space’s transformation, but will first undergo a vital engagement phase to gather community and stakeholder input – inviting the community, key stakeholders, BID levy payers and local businesses to provide feedback and help shape the artwork’s final design.
A series of engagement events will be held to inform the final design of the artwork and reflect the values and aspirations of the local community, with the first session taking place from 12.30pm to 4.30pm on Friday, December 13 at Bristol Beacon. To attend this open session register by heading here.
Why attend?
- You can preview Oshii’s initial concepts for the artwork
- Participate in a collage workshop with the chance for your art to be included
- And share feedback and ideas that reflect Bristol’s identity