This was a nice way to end a productive week of exploring. I'd been meaning to get back here for litterally *years* - it was one of the first times I ever explored with anyone other than myself - meeting up with @Rookinella and @agk way back in the early days of 2008. I didn't take the greatest pictures those days (http://www.whateversleft.co.uk/other/bridewell-island) - there was so much to see back then I barely could take all in. This time I just went in for the courts. Sadly they are no where near the same as they were 8 years ago.. but the lobby is still rather nice if a little bit more decayed.
Bridewell Island was a large central complex that included a operational police station, the main headquarters for the police in Bristol, the crown courts for the city and also a fire station. It's been owned by Urban Splash for over 10 years now having paid about £15m for it but still haven't worked out what to do with it. It's used currently as art space, air soft, laser quest and a bar/cafe. The police station moved across the road to 'New Bridewell Island' which has subsequently be replaced with *another* new station adjacent. The crown courts moved further towards the centre and they too have since been demo'd and relocated as well.
The court rooms were last used about 1980. The police station closed mid 90's leading to the rest of the buildings being sold off.
Being sent down from the court room here was akin to being in a dungeon. Barely any light and rather limited facilities.
Bridewell Island was a large central complex that included a operational police station, the main headquarters for the police in Bristol, the crown courts for the city and also a fire station. It's been owned by Urban Splash for over 10 years now having paid about £15m for it but still haven't worked out what to do with it. It's used currently as art space, air soft, laser quest and a bar/cafe. The police station moved across the road to 'New Bridewell Island' which has subsequently be replaced with *another* new station adjacent. The crown courts moved further towards the centre and they too have since been demo'd and relocated as well.
The court rooms were last used about 1980. The police station closed mid 90's leading to the rest of the buildings being sold off.
Being sent down from the court room here was akin to being in a dungeon. Barely any light and rather limited facilities.
