Residents of Stokes Croft, which last hit the headlines when a protest against Tesco turned into a riot, up in arms against redevelopment of Carriageworks site

It is the spiritual home of Banksy, a bohemian (and sometimes a little seedy) hangout of artists, hippies, eco-activists and dreamers.

But there is growing concern among many residents of Stokes Croft in Bristol that the very soul of this vibrant enclave could be at risk if planners allow a landmark building at the centre of the neighbourhood to be turned into “yuppie flats” within a gated community.

steven morris (@stevenmorris20) Images of Stokes Croft, Bristol. pic.twitter.com/gXeNPJrC5L

“We are at a crucial point in the history of this neighbourhood,” said Chris Chalkley, chairman of the People’s Republic of Stokes Croft, a radical champion of street culture in the area. “If we have a private gated community in the heart of Stokes Croft, it will irrevocably change the character of the area. Stokes Croft has already become gentrified over the last few years but this is going too far. People won’t accept it and will fight back.”

The disputed site includes the Carriageworks, a beautiful Victorian grade II* listed building, and a less attractive 1960s office block called Westmoreland House just up the road from one of street artist Bansky’s most beloved works The Mild Mild West, which shows a teddy bear about to hurl a petrol bomb.

For decades the buildings, owned by a London property developer, have lain derelict but over the past three or four years the city council has worked with local people to compulsory purchase the site and create a community-driven development of affordable and social housing together with spaces for community projects and businesses.



That collapsed when another private company, Fifth Capital London, acquired a controlling interest in the site and put in a planning application. It wants to build 118 homes – but only eight will be “affordable” and there are no plans for any social housing. There will be units for shops and two public spaces, but although Fifth Capital insists it will not be gated, it will have the option to close off the communal spaces if it feels the need to combat any antisocial behaviour or rough sleeping.

PRSC (@PRStokesCroft) Monday 630pm PRSC NEW BUILDING. CARRIAGEWORKS: RESIST FIFTH CAPITAL. pic.twitter.com/W7CIv80uZw

Marc Pennick, director of Fifth Capital London, argued that the scheme largely followed the community’s vision for the site and would respect the special spirit of the area. “It is an opportunity to end decades of neglect and dereliction and breathe new life into the historic Carriageworks building,” he said.

Pennick claimed the large sum needed to make the scheme work meant it was not financially viable to create more affordable homes but insisted the idea of having supermarkets or chain stores on the site had been ruled out. “We believe it’s the kind of project that does justice to the site and delivers on the needs and aspirations of the local area,” he said.

That was not the view at a meeting of concerned locals this week.

Plans are being hatched for demonstrations and protests ahead of the city council’s planning meeting on the scheme next month. Residents of the New Era estate in east London, who resisted eviction by a US investor, will be invited to share their experiences.



Hadie Abido, who runs a not-for-profit company promoting artists, said: “This is a weird little island of diverse people with mad, creative ideas. It’s buzzing at all hours. We have to resist any corporate encroachment. This company is not seeking to improve the area. It is looking to make a profit.”



Prue Hardwick, a leading light in the Carriageworks Action Group, which shaped the community vision for the site, said: “This is a free country and Stokes Croft is a very free kind of place. Anyone is welcome to move into Stokes Croft. The important thing is that nobody should feel shoved out or feel unwelcome.”

The development could also become a hot political issue in the election campaign. The Green party, which hopes to take this seat – Bristol West – has expressed concern about the scheme. Its candidate, Darren Hall, said the development could push up prices in the area – and usher out the bohemians who live here because of the current low rents.

There is support from some residents who believe anything is better than the current eyesore, but the vast majority of those who have submitted comments to the city council are opposed.

Darren Hall (@DarrenHall2015) Info here if you would like to make an objection to the proposed Carriageworks development http://t.co/qk7cnHYJCk via @carriageworks2

Anna Minton, the writer and reader in architecture at the University of East London, has visited Stokes Croft and spoken to some of those fighting the development. She does not think their cause hopeless. “It is a David and Goliath fight but you never know. The people at the New Era estate succeeded and Stokes Croft has a history of taking direct action. The odds are against but you never know.”

The last high-profile fight against a development in the neighbourhood was against Tesco. The supermarket chain opened a store and riots ensued.

Chalkley believes violence could follow again. “I think politicians have to understand that their actions can have consequences. That is what they have to bear in mind when the councillors go into their meeting and make their decision. There is an extraordinary refusal to accept injustice in this community.”