The Labour Party, which barring a political earthquake looks increasingly likely to form the next UK government, is calling for a family of new towns adjacent to existing centres of population. This is their big policy solution to finding the much-needed new homes, and they want us to build fast. While in truth there will be many and varied solutions, the concept is a good one that … Continue reading We need to start planning now for a new town in North Bristol

Bristol – European Liveable City 2040 ‘President Caroline Lucas yesterday announced that Bristol has been awarded the accolade of the EU’s Most Liveable City, 25 years after it became European Green Capital. She congratulated Bristol and Bath City Region’s independent Metro Mayor Professor Alice Roberts for the vision and determination that had brought the city region level with its Danish and Dutch counterparts.’ Dream on! … Continue reading My Ambitions for Bristol

If any part of Bristol best represents the spirit of this city it is our ‘Floating Harbour’ which has been transformed from the 1970’s dereliction of its post-industrial past to one of the most enjoyable and memorable visitor attractions in the UK. All this started with the valiant efforts of those in the City Docks Group and Civic Society in the late 60’s who fought … Continue reading Save Wapping Wharf & Cranes from damaging 10 storey development  

It seems that Bristol’s risk assessment bureaucracy has got hold of the event and turned it into a ‘safety fencing’ festival with little or nothing to do with anything maritime. My first impression in walking around harbour on the Saturday was that there was nothing of significance on the water, either in terms of interesting vessels apart from the ones we already have, or in … Continue reading HARBOUR FEST HAS TURNED INTO ‘SAFETY FENCING FESTIVAL’ WITH LITTLE TO DO WITH MARITIME

Continue reading George Ferguson’s Mayoral Vision 2013

An essay written as one of many for the Royal Fine Arts Commission’s coronation publication on planning and design https://digital.emap.com/38997/90561/index.html?12731 As we enter the era of Charles III, the best gift for our children would be greater freedom to play, not in civic playgrounds but within and beyond their communities.  Let’s liberate our city streets and spaces for those who have had so much exploration and … Continue reading THE PLAYFUL CAROLEAN CITY

Nearly 40 years ago, when Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister and I was preparing to stand as a Liberal parliamentary candidate in a ‘safe’ conservative seat, I published 6 essays in a booklet entitled ‘Races Against Time’. The sad truth is that much of what I was warning about at that time, when ‘climate change’ wasn’t even a term, is still crying out for action.  I … Continue reading Races Against Time – Chapter 6

Nearly 40 years ago, when Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister and I was preparing to stand as a Liberal parliamentary candidate in a ‘safe’ conservative seat, I published 6 essays in a booklet entitled ‘Races Against Time’. The sad truth is that much of what I was warning about at that time, when ‘climate change’ wasn’t even a term, is still crying out for action.  I … Continue reading Races Against Time – Chapter 5

Nearly 40 years ago, when Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister and I was preparing to stand as a Liberal parliamentary candidate in a ‘safe’ conservative seat, I published 6 essays in a booklet entitled ‘Races Against Time’. The sad truth is that much of what I was warning about at that time, when ‘climate change’ wasn’t even a term, is still crying out for action.  I … Continue reading Races Against Time – Chapter 4

Nearly 40 years ago, when Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister and I was preparing to stand as a Liberal parliamentary candidate in a ‘safe’ conservative seat, I published 6 essays in a booklet entitled ‘Races Against Time’. The sad truth is that much of what I was warning about at that time, when ‘climate change’ wasn’t even a term, is still crying out for action.  I … Continue reading Races Against Time – Chapter 3