award winning architects

Friday, 28 March 2008 10:07

Stride Treglown unveil proposals for wind turbine on Bristol Downs

A visitor attraction that will inform a wide audience about renewable energy and advertise Bristol's status as Britain's Green Capital.

Wind turbines are normally sited in inaccessible places, in large numbers. We are proposing to create a unique opportunity to visit one in a City.

The suggested site on Bristol Downs is in close proximity to an established tourist destination, Bristol zoo. The turbine would be an attraction in its own right.

Why Bristol?

Bristol Partnership has promoted Bristol as Britain's Green Capital. Councillors have invited organisations in the city to develop and implement action plans towards a more sustainable future for the city."

Bristol City Council has set sustainable targets:

To reduce the city council's energy consumption and use electricity from renewable sources

To actively promote a sustainable energy future for Bristol and its communities

This initiative will build on the region's reputation as a centre for technological and environmental innovation and sustainability-focused organisations.

Bristol Partnership: we still have much further to go if we are to achieve our ambition of becoming a Green Capital. This proposal will make a tangible leap towards achieving Bristol's status as Britain’s Green Capital, and a highly visible symbol of it.

Why the Downs?

1. The proposed site is an exposed location with favourable wind conditions, unique for a City.

2. On initial appraisal the site is technically deliverable. 

3. The site is a dramatic location, suitable for a landmark structure to promote renewable energy in Bristol.

4. The specifically chosen location would minimise the impact on neighbouring areas in terms of noise, visual and shadow.

5. The site is a small relatively unused corner of a much larger recreation area.

6. The site is within walking distance to Bristol Zoo, which would offer huge potential for school visits etc. It is also within close proximity to a grassed area that is used as Bristol Zoo overflow parking area.

Initial proposals are for a medium size turbine that would create energy for approximately 400 homes, and revenue for the Downs. There could also be scope for a small environmentally designed visitor pavilion that would serve the turbine and the Downs.

We are proposing a powerstation in the heart of Bristol: a powerstation that taps into free unlimited energy, that doesn't create pollution and is safe. This initiative could deliver a bold positive message, be hugely influential and support the image of Bristol as an environmental leader.