Big Green Ideas for Bristol Harbour – Design Competition

Bristol BID launches new design competition to enhance three city centre locations around Bristol Harbour

Bristol BID, supported by Design West and Bristol City Council, have launched a call for public realm concept ideas for three city locations; Bathurst Basin, Hannover Place and The Grove.

The winning ideas will form part of the BID’s new Green and Blue Infrastructure Vision and will be used to inform further discussions about these sites and others around Bristol Harbour with Bristol City Council.

The Design Competition was launched on 15 September 2026 and will close at midnight on 1 November 2026. See here for further information about the sites and how to enter.

Enter the competition

It is hoped that the designs submitted will encourage action, provoke conversation and to showcase the design talent in the city. Ideas should align with and provide ideas for Bristol City Council’s Harbourside Placemaking Plan and Green and Blue Infrastructure Strategy.

Entrants are invited to put forward designs for any form of public realm improvements, this could include greening, play, art installations and seating. Entries should be high-level concepts rather than fully developed landscape or architectural designs. We are looking for imaginative ideas that communicate a vision for the space.

Winning and shortlisted proposals will be showcased as part of the launch of Bristol BID’s Green and Blue Infrastructure Plan and featured on the Bristol BID website. The ideas will help inform the vision set out within the Plan and support future conversations about opportunities to improve these spaces.

The winning entries will be showcased at the launch of the Green and Blue Infrastructure Plan in Autumn 2026.

“

Tom Swithinbank, Senior Project Manager, Bristol BID

“We want this competition to demonstrate both the passion for a healthy and green Bristol and the skill on show within the city. We’re really looking forward to seeing people’s ideas. For anyone considering entering the competition we want people to think about what the city should look like in 5 or 10 years, how can we develop it to provide space for nature, play and rest?”

“

Hilary Cuddy, Director of Services, Design West

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Bristol BID on this design competition. Green and blue infrastructure has a vital role to play in creating healthier, more resilient cities; from managing rainfall and reducing urban heat to supporting biodiversity and creating places where people want to spend time. Bristol has an exceptional community of designers, students and creative thinkers, and we’re excited to see how imaginative ideas can unlock the potential of these harbourside spaces and demonstrate the power of nature-led public realm design”.