Bristol crowned 'city of the year'
Bristol has been crowned the best city in the UK and Ireland after winning a prestigious award.
We beat off competition from fellow finalists Manchester and Newcastle to win the prize.
Bristol won because the judges said it had:
A strong economy, including a dynamic business sector and a skilled workforce
A distinctive sense of place and history
Superb quality of life and a vibrant culture
Mixed-use developments plus good transport links.
The award has been welcomed by the City's Lord Mayor Councillor Chris Davies.
The leader of the city council, Helen Holland, was delighted.
She said: "I think one of the selling points of Bristol is the diversity of the city.
"We've got fantastic man-made features like Clifton Suspension Bridge as well as natural features that come to the fore, like the Harbourside.
"The academy members who visited the city were clearly impressed by the number of world class sustainable organisations here.
"It's about getting the balance for our future growth and having a high quality of life for people in this wonderful city of ours."
Bristol was named best city in the UK and Ireland at a ceremony in Liverpool. The award was made by the Academy of Urbanism, whose 100 members include industry-leading architects, planners, engineers, developers and designers.
Chairman John Thompson said: "Bristol has won because of its overall quality of life and opportunities, plus they're making a significant effort on sustainability issues, which we were very impressed with. It has transformed itself and become a very good place to be – it has a pretty vibrant economy and is well-placed for all sorts of reasons."
Bristol's official title is European City of the Year.
City architect George Ferguson, one of the founders and a director of the Academy of Urbanism, said: "It was a warm feeling to have recognition that Bristol is the best provincial city in Britain. We have a lot to do to bring ourselves up to the standard of some European cities, but we have a great start.
"This gives us a real boost, along with the shortlisting of Bristol as green capital of Europe. To have recognition from outside that we are such a good place is only good for the city."
Business leaders also welcomed the news.
John Savage, chief executive of GWE Business West, said: "This is probably the most important accolade of the many that the city has received recently.
"It's not by chance, but the product of much coordinated work in effective partnerships over 20 years. I am delighted."
Bristol cabinet member Councillor Mark Bradshaw, who is in charge of environment matters, said it was "brilliant news".
And Colin Sexstone, chief executive of Bristol City Football Club, said: "I am a Bristolian and it is a magnificent city.
"I have travelled widely in the UK and as far as I am concerned nowhere else comes close to it."
Chris Balch, a panel member of the Academy of Urbanism, said: "Bristol is a vibrant and cosmopolitan European city – its international profile reflects a rich fusion of cultural heritage, surrounding natural beauty and a bustling mix of communities.
"Importantly, Bristol's residents feel relatively safe by comparison with other cities."
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by Birbeck, Montpelier
Monday, December 01 2008, 10:34AM
“Oh, Richard - I've got to stay around to back you up. Since moving to Bristol I've met so many people, many from elsewhere, trying to deal with their problems, eg drinking, drugs etc. So, Mum, Hope during your work must have come across many non-Bristolians. This City has some of the best support agencies, so fortunately/unfortunately many people are sent here and remain here. A friend from Liverpool believes that she'd still have her children if they'd lived here, and she'd certainly have been told in detail about why and what was happening. She loves Bristol, esp the Gloucester Rd Bishopston area.
As for the inequalities - I think that because the CIty developed in a very different way to the Victorian industrial ones, in that for centuries there have been two distinct groups - the merchant classes and the workers, and for generations this divide has continued; may also be the reason why there are more fee-paying schools than anywhere else, apart from one area in London. However, I know 'ordinary' people who have worked their way up in stockbroking companies, int'l law and accountancy firms etc. We're not saying the City's perfect, there is much improvement needed, but surely one cannot deny that, in the main, it's a beautiful place, interesting and laid-back?”
by Richard, Bristol
Saturday, November 29 2008, 7:54PM
“Dear Mum of Hope,
Bristol caters for all it's people and all the tools are available here to help everyone improve their lives.
This council have done my family proud, my friends families proud and everyone who has turned to them in times of difficulty. It's not the job of Bristol council workers and charities to constantly baby sit people who do not want to be helped.
For children in danger Bristol social services do a very good job and nobody has an excuse to be on the streets as shelter, charities, jobcentre rents, council homes and other charities are here to help.
Bristol is a great all round city. The police try their best as well.”
by Mum, Hope
Saturday, November 29 2008, 5:38PM
“I am not moaning Birbeck simply commenting on my experience of working for and in the City after living and working elsewhere and then moving back to the area.
The poverty, deprivation and social divide I see in the City is something I wish I did not have to comment on but it is very real. Something that a new shopping centre and pioneers can not mask.”
by Trymriverman, London
Friday, November 28 2008, 7:06PM
“Congrats Bristol! A Fab city! I've lived in London for 30 years & love it & I've visited many other great & exciting cities but for me my home town is still No.1. Incidentally to that idiot who wrote that Bristol hadn't done anything for the last 30 years: well if you were at least half awake you'd have seen that it was in the news just last week with a story about stem cell innovation.”
by Birbeck, Montpelier
Friday, November 28 2008, 6:47PM
“Thanks for lovely comment. I just think of a London friend who's recovering from the big 'C', who came to visit for the first time, was so impressed and said it was just what she needed. I find loveliness & newness every time I walk about the City.”