In 2014 architectural consultants the Nudge Group were commisioned by the University of the West of England and the Quartet Community Foundation to prepare a report on the use of space at Lawrence Hill Roundabout.
The report begins :
The Lawrence Hill roundabout is situated in the most diverse area in Bristol, and connects a large cross section of different cultures, ethnicities, religions. and backgrounds. A higher than average proportion of young people also live in the area. The space has the potential to be a rich place of community exchange and youth aspiration due to the spatial link and interesting social context.
The scope of this report will outline proposals for interventions and props situated in the Lawrence Hill Roundabout that can activate and improve the perception, increase dwell time, and capitalise on this large underused public space.Currently the space is underused by residents. People rarely interact with each other as there is no reason to. Some severe incidents have occurred in the space, as well as antisocial behavior and crime in the vicinity and this has given it a negative perception. There have also been severe issues with flooding that are currently being resolved. This report examines the existing site conditions, and potential opportunities to activate the space with the aim of making it safer.
In an email a few days ago, lead architect and local resident Shankari Edgar confirmed to me that in the years between 2014 and 2026 no changes have been made.
The full report authored by Shankari Edgar and Patrick Fallon can be found here .
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