News / Castle Park
New paint job on old Bank of England building
A building that has long been seen as one of Bristol’s biggest eyesores has been given a lick of paint before its imminent demolition.
Bristol24/7 understands that the former Bank of England building in Castle Park is scheduled to be demolished in around six months.
But prior to its disappearance, it will shine brightly like never before as well as sharing important messages as it is legally painted for the first time.
is needed now More than ever
On Thursday evening, one part of the building will form the background to Bristol Nights’ Shine a Light parade, showcasing Bristol as a city that takes a zero-tolerance approach to the harassment of women.
‘If it’s unwanted, it’s not OK’ reads a section of wall that can be seen from Corn Street, with this piece painted by Emily Joy Rich.
Mary le Port Street will form part of the proposed new development of the dilapidated site – photo: Martin Booth
The rest of the building snaking around to the car park near St Mary le Port church is due to be covered in a base coat, with artists already lined up to paint the walls as part of a Bristol Nights project with the support of Bristol City Council and MEPC Ltd.
Bristol artists HazardOne and Oli T will paint a second mural, with UV lights highlighting the two messages at night time.
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The future of the site could see the three empty buildings around the tower of the former St Mary le Port church replaced by shops, restaurants and cafes on the ground floor with office space on the floors above.
Friends of Castle Park support the scheme but Bristol Civic Society has requested that the secretary of state “call in” the proposals and to hold an independent public inquiry.
The tower of St Mary le Port church could originally be seen through the front windows of the Bank of England building – photo: Martin Booth
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read more: Public inquiry could decide fate of controversial St Mary le Port
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