The St James Barton Roundabout is set to become a Green Gateway to the Bristol CBD under a new proposal to drive positive change in the heart of the city. The troubled thoroughfare known locally as the Bear Pit, is being reimagined as a food innovation hub to showcase urban farming solutions whilst supporting community-led initiatives that will improve health and well being. Rebranded as The Circle, the project will bring new opportunities for 40 businesses and provide more than 160 jobs to the local economy, including full-time, part-time and volunteering roles. Working with Bearpit Bristol CIC, Incredible Edible Bristol, Grow Bristol and APG Architects, McGregor Coxall has provided design guidance to improve the overall configuration of the site, addressing security issues, connectivity, ecology and infrastructure. In reference to the circular nature of sustainable food supply, The Circle is split into three spaces: Food, Community and Incubation. The Food Hub will showcase urban farmers and sustainable food outlets, with an emphasis on low wastage and local production. The Circle will include community spaces, a public, edible garden and The Incubation Space which focuses on education and research. A three-month consultation on the plans commenced in June, during which residents and visitors of the city are encouraged to have their say. Following consultation, traders will submit an outline planning application to Bristol City Council with a view to starting work on the new-look roundabout next year. More information can be found here:
The Circle - Food Innovation Hub, Bristol