'Welcome To Bristol' sign at Temple Meads

Opposite the end of the approach road to Temple Meads is a ‘60s office block, partially occupied by a Holiday Inn.

It's an unattractive building which creates a poor impression of Bristol, as the first thing that visitors see when they arrive by train.

But we could improve that a bit.

In the centre of the building, about one storey up, is a flat grey panel about 10ft x 10ft square – it boards off an opening in the building where there used to be a pedestrian bridge (long since demolished).

My idea is that the Council should arrange and pay for a local artist to paint a mural on that panel, reading 'Welcome To Bristol' in nice big lettering. With permission of the building owners of course. It should be something that Mike Bennett (the council employee who ran the 'See No Evil' event) could arrange easily.

It would only cost a few hundred pounds to hire scaffolding and pay the artist, and the whole job could be done & dusted in a couple of afternoons.

Why the contribution is important

Come on BCC, if you’re going to actually do any of these ideas – make it this one.

It's just a small thing, but it'll make Bristol feel that little bit friendlier to the thousands who will see it.

Best of all, it’s dead simple, cheap and quick to do – and will make a lasting visible improvement.

by user715040 on November 26, 2013 at 10:22PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.3
Based on: 28 votes

Comments

  • Posted by user718520 November 27, 2013 at 08:48

    It's a great idea.

    Mike Bennett no longer works for the council but did do sterling work, alongside many others, on See No Evil on Nelson Street.

    Let's see what others think of your idea and how it fairs with the ratings.

  • Posted by user536903 November 27, 2013 at 08:53

    Definitely needed one also a banner in Cabot - When arriving from London..

    Depicting Bristol as Europe Green Capitol 2015

  • Posted by user794156 November 27, 2013 at 16:56

    This is a quick and easy thing to do and will make Bristol seem more pleasant for arriving visitors. I often overhear people arriving on the train and saying how grim Bristol looks, the derelict building overlooking Temple Meads which doesn't help.

  • Posted by user463519 November 27, 2013 at 17:02

    Certainly need to improve the 'first impressions' of Bristol. A good time to do it would be when the new electrics arrive in 2017 & TM is refurbished.

  • Posted by user251846 December 04, 2013 at 09:44

    The TM area is a disgrace, with abandoned buildings all around, etc. It looks like a run-down part of Eastern Europe! Improved signage here, and at all major entry points to the City would be great. The worn old (and too small) 'City and County of Bristol' signs need replacing with something bigger and bolder, and this would be a start, as long as it looks professional, as not everyone who comes to Bristol is a Banksy-loving tree hugger!

  • Posted by user536194 December 04, 2013 at 22:09

    Like so many comments, this just needs council patronage. The design can be a sixth form art competition, materials can be sponsored by the nearby hotels, the erection or painting would need council staff.

  • Posted by user780791 December 05, 2013 at 14:26

    Great idea, we all know and love Bristol for all it's quirks, nuances, and it's gritty charm. But on first glances to a visitor, that same charm could easily be mistaken as Bristol just being grim. Great idea - easily implemented, cheap, and could massively improve an outsiders 1st impression of Bristol. It should fit with Bristols image, looking 'professional' isn't really a concern.

  • Posted by user206080 December 09, 2013 at 14:14

    I've thought this for years.
    When you arrive at Temple meads there's nothing to indicate which way to the City centre.
    When driving into the m32 there's no welcome to Bristol sign.
    The City should be a lot more welcoming.

  • Posted by user479921 January 05, 2014 at 19:36

    I agree that the M32, as one of the main routes in/out of the centre, should have much more prominent welcome signage. The "Cabot Circus" sign on the side of House of Fraser does not cut it, and besides, it is situated at a point where drivers will be watching the road and the road signs. Site the main signboard further back, where drivers will have more attention to lavish on it without jeopardising road safety.

  • Posted by user848220 December 24, 2014 at 10:26

    Thank you for submitting and sharing your idea. We do already have a ‘Welcome to Bristol’ sign at Temple Meads however, we are talking to partners about options to affordably upgrade to improved signage. First “ambassadors” regularly welcome and help passengers to the city at Temple Meads.

    In January 2015, the council will begin consulting on the Temple Gate project to make some major changes in the area to create a welcome befitting a major European city. Look out for the exhibition in the Engine Shed, and the outdoor exhibition panels near Temple Circus, to find out more about our proposals and to help shape them.

    Bristol 2015 are also exploring opportunities to welcome visitors to Bristol at all major gateways to the city. Find out more about plans for Bristol 2015 and how to get involved at www.bristol2015.co.uk
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