9 incredible photos capturing St Philips and Barton Hill before huge regeneration
The area behind Temple Meads is changing beyond recognition as the bulldozers and cranes move in
The landscape is changing fast around St Philips Marsh and Barton Hill, the industrial inner suburbs of Bristol behind Temple Meads railway station.
Bounded by the River Avon and the Feeder Canal, the area is almost an island that was once the industrial heart of the city with gas and lead works, factories, warehouses and trading estates.
But that is all about to change as the regeneration of Temple Quarter moves to the next stage. The University of Bristol campus, thousands of new student flats and possibly a new Bristol Rovers football stadium on the site of the fruit market, will see this area transformed in the next few years.
With demolition and groundwork well under way, it’s a fascinating time to walk around the area to see the huge changes as the old buildings disappear and new ones are built.
Here are nine photos of interesting landmarks you’ll find on a walk around St Philips and Barton Hill.
But that is all about to change as the regeneration of Temple Quarter moves to the next stage. The University of Bristol campus, thousands of new student flats and possibly a new Bristol Rovers football stadium on the site of the fruit market, will see this area transformed in the next few years.
5. Underneath the arches
Located in a converted railway arch on Silverthorne Lane, the Forest Bakery is one of Bristol’s smallest bakeries and specialises in sourdough loaves and a range of croissants and pastries.
6. Last orders
The derelict Rhubarb Tavern in Queen Ann Road, Barton Hill, is believed to date back to 1672. It has been closed since 2020 and there has been a campaign to keep it open after plans were submitted to turn it into flats.
7. Sculptures
This scrap metal merchants on Feeder Road displays a life-size gorilla and a Gromit sculpture, both of which were acquired from the Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal auction to raise funds for the cardiology unit at Bristol Children’s Hospital.
8. Site of historic pub
Now flats, the Lord Nelson pub on the corner of Aiken Street in Barton Hill was once popular with workers from the nearby Great Western Cotton Factory. Just this bust of Nelson remains today.