Why police have allowed an empty Bristol station to be covered with street art

Broadbury Road Police Station in Knowle has been adorned with street art murals during its final months of refurbishment.

The currently closed police station is surrounded by construction hoarding until it reopens in the summer but it has become a canvas for a street art project by a local youth club.

Local artist Nick from Olas Art teamed up with young people from Street Space Knowle and the Broadbury Road Neighbourhood Policing team to create the colourful works of art. 

PC Patrick Brady of the Broadbury Road Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “It’s been a pleasure seeing local kids express their artistic side in these sessions, and we want to say a big thank you to them for brightening up our station while it is being refurbished.” 

Susanna, Sam and Heidi from Street Space Knowle said: “We are keen to break down barriers between local young people and the police. This local community project has really helped with this and allowed the young people to work with the police while having fun. We cannot thank Nick from Olas Art and PC Brady enough for organising what has been a super positive project’.” 

The demolition contractor, Weaver Ltd, who recently demolished the old custody suite, supported the project. Spokesperson Jonny Weaver said: “Having worked at the Broadbury Road Police site, we were keen to support this youth diversionary initiative and put something back into the local area.

"It was great to attend and see how engaged the young people were and hear how Street Space Knowle and the local Police Neighbourhood Team work together to build trusted, positive relationships between the young people and the local police.” 

Following the demolition of the old custody suite, Broadbury Road Police Station is currently being refurbished and modernised, equipping Avon and Somerset Police with the facilities needed to deliver effective policing services to the South Bristol community. 

The refurbishment is expected to be completed in early summer. The enquiry office will remain closed until the works are completed.