Bristol is a city well known for its stunning architecture but not every building has its admirers and some are, according to some, an eyesore.
When we asked our readers what they thought were the ugliest buildings in Bristol were, they didn’t hold back.
Some suggestions are not surprising; who likes to look at a derelict hotel with vegetation growing out of its windows? However, others were. Including a stadium belonging to one footballing half of the city which should probably be taken as a joke.
Also on the list are old department stores and century-old buildings which highlight the history of the city docks.
Interestingly, on most the suggestions, the serious ones we suspect, development is planned to breathe new life into them, although some with controversary.
What do you think of this list? Email [email protected] if you think we’ve missed any out.
1. Grosvenor Hotel, Redcliffe
It had to be in there, didn’t it. A building which was once one of the grandest hotels in the city now stands dilapidated with, last time we checked, a squatter inside. There is hope that the former 70-bedroom hotel next to Bristol Temple Meads will be given a new lease of life with plans afoot by Bristol City Council to purchase the building as part of major regeneration of the area.
2. Bond warehouses, Bristol’s Floating Harbour
A century ago, these huge famous red warehouses would have a hive of activity with the huge buildings used to store tobacco imports. But following the decline of the docks, the red brick units were no longer required. Now listed buildings, one of them is now the home of Bristol Archives. They form part of the city council’s planned Western Harbour development, and could be turned into hundreds of homes. But as things stand, some people in the city just don’t like them.
3. Ashton Gate Stadium
Ok, this one is definitely controversial. One person suggested the home of Bristol City and Bristol Bears, Ashton Gate Stadium, should be on this list. The stadium has been developed over time with the completion of The Lansdown Stand being the last major update. But is it really ugly? We’re not so sure!
4. City Hall, College Green
Formerly known as the Council House, the City Hall was finished in 1952 and opened by the late Queen Elizabeth II. The names of all the Mayors and Lord Mayors feature on its stone walls. A couple of years ago it was the scene of a protest by XR, which camped on it roof. When one reader suggested it as the ugliest building in the city, another said ‘I love it’.