The fences around Bristol's College Green will come down tomorrow for the first time since it was wrecked by Occupy protesters who were part of an international anti-poverty movement calling for a fairer society.
The green will re-open following extensive digging out of contaminated soil, outdoor vacuuming to remove debris and metal objects – and £20,000 worth of new turfing. If the weather is fair, the council will put out deckchairs for the public to use and musicians will roam the green playing acoustic music.
Café Bon Bon will be selling ice cream from its 1950s style tricycle for the discounted price of £1 while the Espresso Bar at the bottom of the Council House ramp will be offering discounted teas, coffees and hot chocolate. If it’s dry, there will also be a lunchtime Tai Chi session.
Craig West Turf and Elmtree Garden Contractors undertook the extensive re-turfing of the whole green at an estimated at £20,000. However the contractors agreed a good will offer of £4,000 for the work. The new turf was then fenced off to give it time to settle.
Cabinet member for targeted improvements Cllr Gary Hopkins said: “We would like to thank the public for their patience while College Green has been fenced off and out of action as the new turf settled. This is a much-loved green space in the heart of the city and one of the jewels in our crown in the annual Britain in Bloom competition."
Council leader Barbara Janke added: “We are really grateful to the two contractors whose fantastic offer has meant we have been able to restore College Green to its former glory for a fraction of the cost. Their hard work along with the support of the council’s in-house landscaping team means it’s now back to business for the green as a public space everyone can use.”
