Did you know we have a fire tower? The tower (which some of our rooms have a great view of *wink wink*) dates back to the early 1900s. It was purpose built for multiple activities such as target practice (fun!) and drying hoses. Now, it sits waiting for a new lease on life.
Back in June, we got to witness the final presentation by the wonderful group of students from UWE’s New Wave Agency who had spent the previous two weeks researching the site and thinking about what could be next. The students came together from across multiple disciplines (History, Architecture and Interior Design), bringing their unique perspectives to the table.
The two-week project included an in-depth lidar survey of the structure, researching in the archives, building an understanding our charity and the local community, constructing to-scale models, creative problem solving and more.
Dave Bowler, Director of Commercial Operations, said:
‘One moment that truly stood out for me was seeing six individuals come together — strangers on a Monday morning — and transform into a collaborative team without ego, sharing strengths and supporting each other across disciplines. It was a genuine display of the kind of open-minded, values-led teamwork we believe in.
What really affirmed to us that they “got” the spirit of the Fire Tower and our organisation was the way they saw us as custodians of the past — and the need to reinterpret this building’s purpose for the future, so it can once again be a meaningful part of the Bristol community.’
The students came up with numerous ideas for creative uses of the space and have left the door open for more collaboration from our guests and community. If you see a big sheet of brown paper lurking about with lots of notes and drawings of pigeons… take a closer look and add your input!
This is only the beginning of a long and exciting road of transformation for our beloved tower!
