Newly installed bench has perfect view of large stone wall

By Martin Booth

Locals have mocked a council for installing a bench - directly facing a large brick wall.

The metal seat - designed as a 'resting place for the elderly' - comes with an uninspiring view of the retaining wall of the Grand Hotel’s extension in Bristol city centre.

It forms part of a £1m programme of works to refurbish the traffic lights at the busy junction and improve the pedestrian experience.

But its location has now been criticized by baffled residents after it was described as "Britain's most bonkers bench."

If it had faced the other way, those seeking a seat would enjoy a vista of the center of the city from the corner of Canon's Road and College Green.

When announcing these works in February 2025, Bristol’s transport supremo Ed Plowden did not mention the bench - meaning its appearance came as a suprise to many living in the city.

Bristol City Council is now reviewing the project.

Plowden did say the works would ensure the lights “are in working order while also delivering walking and cycling improvements, including better facilities for visually impaired pedestrians and improved cycling links between Park Street and the city centre”.

Online commentators have theorised that a bench facing the wall means less of the extended pavement is blocked by bags or buggies, while others say that at least the view is not of the flaking artwork on the centre.

One local said: "It has been to be the most bonkers bench in Britain. Surely they can just turn it to face the other way and you would get a lovely view.

"But they are probably talking to a brick wall trying to get anything done that makes sense. In more ways than one."

Another local added: “Benches aren’t always in place to enjoy a view though. Sometimes they are there to rest your weary feet, drink your coffee or catch up with your phone calls or read that newspaper.”

Another said: “Most people who live in Bristol probably feel like they’d rather talk to a brick wall so I suppose it’s rather apt.”

Councillor Ed Plowden, Chair of the Transport and Connectivity Committee, said: “I was alerted to this concern by the local Green councillor, Sibusiso Tshabalala and having consulted with the project designer, we now know that the bench has been positioned to offer a resting place for people, especially those who are older and Disabled, walking up the steep hill rather than a seat with a view.

"It will benefit from shade provided by a tree that will be planted in the raised planter behind the bench.

“Creating shaded areas and resting places for people walking is a vital part of our urban planning to help Bristol adapt to the impacts of climate change.

“That said, we are going to keep this under review, and the positioning of the bench will be kept under review as standard before any scheme is finally signed off.”