News / Turbo Island

‘The sale of Turbo Island will enable a more positive use of the site’

By Martin Booth  Saturday Aug 31, 2024

The current owners of Turbo Island say they are selling the site due to it being continually “plagued by anti-social behaviour and criminal activity”.

London-based company Wildstone, who specialise in “outdoor media infrastructure” and are selling the land at auction in October, said “these challenges have made it increasingly difficult to maintain the site as a viable location for advertising, leading us to explore alternative options”.

What is now Turbo Island on the corner of Stokes Croft and Jamaica Street has been used for advertising since 1944 after buildings on the site were destroyed in the Blitz.

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Turbo Island is being sold via auction in October – photo: Martin Booth

Wildstone chief operating officer and planning director, Philip Allard, said: “After years of proactive engagement with local authorities, law enforcement, and community stakeholders to address ongoing anti-social behaviour issues at Turbo Island, Wildstone has determined that selling the site is the most viable option to enable its redevelopment and positive use.

“This decision reflects our commitment to finding a sustainable solution while continuing to invest in the broader Bristol area.

“Despite significant efforts, including site improvements and close collaboration with Bristol City Council and other agencies, Turbo Island has unfortunately continued to be plagued by anti-social behaviour and criminal activity.

“These challenges have made it increasingly difficult to maintain the site as a viable location for advertising, leading us to explore alternative options.

“Wildstone’s commitment to Bristol remains unwavering. While the decision to sell Turbo Island is necessary due to site-specific challenges, we are dedicated to ongoing investment in the city and its development.

“We believe that the sale of Turbo Island will ultimately enable a more positive and productive use of the site.

“We understand the community’s concerns regarding the ongoing issues at Turbo Island. Our hope is that new ownership will bring fresh perspectives and solutions to transform the site into a space that benefits both the local area and the wider Bristol community.”

Allard said that Wildstone “is committed to a transparent and fair sale process” with Turbo Island now being marketed by Hollis Morgan, “ensuring that the future of the site is aligned with the needs and aspirations of the community”.

Main photo: Martin Booth

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