Car Parks in Bristol

Prince Street Car Park by Tom Benjamin

An ode to Bristol’s ‘temples of the motorcar’

Cars pollute. They dominate cities. They make it difficultly to walk or cycle. But Rupert Street is different. Its soft rounded curves, the retro typeface and that long, sweeping slope is what makes it special. Its shape stands out from the flat structures wither side. It provides a surprise for the eye as you walk down Rupert Street.
– Andrew Eberlin

Rupert Street Car Park by Elliott Sargent

Rupert Street Car Park by Tom Benjamin

Prince Street Car Park by Elliott Sargent

There is almost literally nothing like Prince Street Car Park. Its closest cousin, the late Welbeck Street Car Park in London’s West End, was demolished in 2019. Prince Street stands as a unique relic of the post-war age, still surviving strong the banks of Bristol’s Harbourside. May its concrete diamonds line on. 
– Elliott Sargent

The Galleries by Elliott Sargent

The Galleries is one of Bristol’s best examples of post-modern architecture, with its car park facing Castle Park adorned with brick details and pre-cast concrete dressings. A reminder of a different time, and one soon to be lost to redevelopment. 
-Elliott Sargent

Broadmead Car Park by Tom Benjamin

Broadmead Car Park by Andrew Eberlin

Broadmead Car Park by Andrew Eberlin

This project is a paean to a time when Bristol’s multi-story car parks emerged alongside rising giving standards. When car ownership gave the masses freedom to go where they wanted. A time of optimism and possibilities. 
-Andrew Eberlin

West End Car Park by Andrew Eberlin

Further Reading:

Together with Andrew Eberlin, Elliott Sargent and myself we have put together a collection of the finest examples of modernist and Brutalist Car Parks in Bristol in a small zine.

BRUTAL Bristol II is the second issue in a collaborative zine series created to showcase the unique architecture of Bristol from the perspective of photographers, writers, creatives and enthusiasts.

Money raised from the sale of BRUTAL Bristol II will be donated to FareShare South West, a charity working in the Bristol area fighting against food waste and hunger. So far the series has raised over £1500 for the charity.