Queen Square has won the prestigious Green Flag award, a recognition and reward for the best green spaces in the country, high environmental standards and a benchmark of excellence in recreational green areas. To win this award, green spaces must be freely accessible to the public, and are judged to be welcoming and well maintained with the support and involvement of the local community. Green Heritage Site accreditation is judged on the treatment of the site's historic features and the standard of conservation. Find out more about these prestigious awards at the Green Flag website.
Queen Square features prominently on the City Centre Nature Trail. Click Here for the nature trail map and information.
Queen Square features prominently on the City in Bloom judging route and our work has contributed to three Gold standards being awarded from 2005 to 2007. We now hope to build on this success by applying for a Green Flag award in 2008 (www.greenflagaward.org.uk). This scheme is managed by The Civic Trust (www.civictrust.org.uk), a national charity which aims to inspire and promote improvements in the quality urban life for everyone.
The Queen Square Management Plan 2007-2017 is now published and it identifies the key issues affecting the square; sets out a ‘vision’ for future management with aims and objectives; establishes an action plan and process for ongoing consultation and performance monitoring. The plan will be key to the effective management and future development of the square and will be reviewed and updated annually by Council Officers and the Queen Square Association. If you would like to know more about this, get involved in the review or simply make any comments please contact the City Centre Spaces Manager, jerry.baker@bristol.gov.uk
The management plan and results of recent public consultation may be viewed by appointment at Metcalfes Solicitors, 46-48 Queen Square, or at Queen Square Dining Rooms. The plan can also be viewed and downloaded at www.bristol.gov.uk/queensquare.
The Queen Square Association has been very active this year and continues to liaise with both Bristol City Council and the Police on ways to improve the square for those that live and work in the surrounding area.
A number of social events have also been organised by the Association’s trustees, Martino Burgess and Natasha Bliss both of Metcalfes Solicitors. The summer of 2007 saw the relaunch of the Petanque League with over 40 businesses taking part. For the first time the League was sponsored by Butcombe Beers who contributed a number of prizes and a cup which was eventually won by Eunomia, an environmental consultancy business located on Little King St. This autumn the inaugural Queen Square Association Golf Day took place with Gregg Latchams WRH winning the cup after an enjoyable day which ended with a dinner at Queen Square Dining Rooms. Additional events such as a Quiz night will be organised for 2008.
The Safer Parks project has worked to take an evidence based approach to dealing with crime and ASB. In order for us to measure problems and improvements more accurately, some changes have been made. The police computer system did not register parks and green spaces as they do not have a post code. This meant that all calls made to 999 and non emergency numbers were not recorded in parks - leaving big information black holes. The system has now been updated to identify all parks and green spaces across the city, enabling more accurate reporting and subsequent deployment of police resources. By encouraging increased surveillance and reporting of incidents, as well as more active use of the parks and green spaces, it is hoped local people themselves will help maintain standards.
If you witness anti social behaviour in Queen Square please report it to either the 'It's Your Call' action line on 0845 605 2222 or the non-emergency police line on 0845 456 7000. Whilst a police response will not always be possible, these calls will help us build up a picture of hot spots and issues in the area and are extremely valuable in helping us reduce antisocial behaviour.
If you are aware of issues of vandalism, or have concerns generally about safety in the square, please call the parks public enquiries line on 0117 922 3719, Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5pm Monday to Friday (4.30pm Friday).
The square is regularly patrolled by a Police Beat Officers and Community Support Officers (PCSO's). The PCSO evening patrols have been increased and are better coordinated with the wider Harbourside police operations. The city council, Police and Queen Square Association are planning to set up a Business Watch Scheme in 2008 which will also assess the feasibility and costs of CCTV. Danny Campbell is the local PCSO and can be contacted on 0117 9455023.
Queen Square News Issue 1 is also available online from www.bristol.gov.uk/queensquare. and summarises the process and findings of the management plan and is a good source of views, news and general information. Queen Square News Issue 2 will be available from April 2008 and articles for submission are welcome.
The restoration scheme for Queen Square installed 30 high quality cast iron and hardwood timber benches. Public consultation revealed a demand for more seating and the city council recently installed a further six benches. The city council welcomes sponsorship from businesses for further seating. For further information contact Jerry Baker, City Centre Spaces Manager, on 0117 903 9061 or email jerry.baker@bristol.gov.uk
A variety of unique sponsorship opportunities are available in Queen Square including the growing number of popular music and theatre performances. We are also seeking sponsors to: replace three trees damaged by storms; install bird boxes and more seating and to help publish a leaflet detailing the history of the square.
For further information, contact Jerry Baker, City Centre Spaces Manager, on 0117 903 9061 or email jerry.baker@bristol.gov.uk
The work at Thunderbolt Square is now complete and the square is now a busy and informal space, with a cafe lending a European feel to this corner of the city centre. The final phase of the work, which included community consultation, saw the reconnection of Queen Square with the city centre promenade. The works comprised:
A new interpretation panel has been placed on the other side of this noticeboard telling thwe story of the restoration project since 1999. Bristol City Council would like to thank the Heritage Lottery Fund and other partners for their contribution to the major achievement of the restoration of Queen Square and its return to the citizens of Bristol as a major public space after 80 years of neglect.
Some local businesses on the southern side of the square have reported collisions and near misses between pedestrians and cyclists on or near the cycle path that runs between Bell Avenue and Queen Square Avenue. Bristol City Council commissioned an observational study but no incidents were recorded. Please report any incidences or near misses giving date, time and brief details to the City Centre Spaces Manager jerry.baker@bristol.gov.uk
The Parks and Green Space Strategy (P&GSS) outlines a 20 year investment programme for the future provision of green space and the facilities and services that should be provided. The strategy is part of a wider focus on how the city as a whole will develop. Work is currently taking place to produce the Bristol Development Framework (BDF), a new planning framework for the city and it is anticipated that the P&GSS standards will be incorporated into the adopted BDF. Additionally, the strategy supports the council’s Balanced and Sustainable Communities and Green Capital initiatives.
Consultation has ben taking place over the Summer and more information can be found at www.bristol.gov.uk/parks
The square is now included in the weekly domestic dry recyclable collection route. For further information, contact Steve Sparks, Community Cleansing Officer, on 0117 922 3838 or email: steve.sparks@bristol.gov.uk