Bristol Doors Open Day is your chance to look behind closed doors in Bristol and discover the city’s hidden treasures, including some great tech and creative spaces. You can explore fascinating buildings, join guided tours and enjoy a range of events and activities – all free for the day.
As part of this celebration of Bristol’s history, architecture and culture, you can poke your head around the doors of buildings from tech incubation spaces like the Engine shed, creative working spaces like Spike Island and BBC Bristol. Held on Saturday 12 September 2015, here are a few tech and creative picks of the many buildings opening their doors to the public:
AT-BRISTOL SCIENCE CENTRE
Anchor Road, BS1 5DB
At-Bristol invites visitors to discover the future of green buildings by exploring behind the scenes tours of one of the UK’s most advanced low-energy installations. Key to At-Bristol’s award winning sustainability is the innovative system that regulates the environment of this iconic building and At-Bristol’s sustainability experts will be explaining about its science, sustainability and history.
60 min tours every hour 10:00-17:00; book at reception or call 0845 345 1235.
BBC BROADCASTING HOUSE
Whiteladies Road, BS8 2LR (ADVANCE BOOKING REQUIRED)
See how some of the nation’s favourite radio and TV programmes are made in this world-renowned creative centre, home to the BBC in Bristol for over 80 years.
Guided tours only (last approx 1-2 hours). Age 16s and under must be accompanied by an adult. No rucksacks (handbags only). Booking essential via Tourist Information Centre (0906 711 2191, calls charged at 50p / minute).
ENGINE SHED
Station Approach, BS1 6QH (ADVANCE BOOKING REQUIRED)
Housed in Brunel’s original station, dating back to 1841; reopened in 2013 as innovation hub for high-tech and creative businesses.
Engine Shed nurtures a network of like-minded and focused innovators. The venue provides all the vital components for working, meeting, collaborating, networking, learning, growing a business and having fun in a dynamic environment. See for yourself how local high-tech and creative businesses are transforming our everyday lives, and reinforcing the roles of Bristol and Bath as leading digital cities. Engine Shed is home to two business incubators, regional policy and marketing teams, suite of meeting rooms for hire, co-working space and a public innovation showcase.
Tours will showcase what Engine Shed is about now, since its renovation (booking on Eventbrite via www.bristoldoorsopenday.org.uk/venues).
- You may like: Tech Incubator Profile: Engine Shed
KNOWLE WEST MEDIA CENTRE
Leinster Avenue, BS4 1NL 10:00 -13:00 ONLY
A modern, creative and climate-friendly facility for the whole community. Visit the straw-bale building; take part in ‘Make It’ hands-on family friendly workshop mixing up art, tech and craft.
SPIKE ISLAND
133 Cumberland Road, BS1 6UX (ADVANCE BOOKING FOR TOURS)
International centre for the development of contemporary art and design. Learn about the building’s history as a tea packing factory and current use as a home for artists and creative businesses.
Hourly tours 10:00-16:00; book via www.spikeisland.org.uk or call 0117 929 2266.
- You may like: Workspace profile: Spike Island, creative community
TRIODOS BANK
Deanery Road, BS1 5AS (ADVANCE BOOKING FOR TOURS)
A building that proudly showcases innovation, excellence, sustainability and entrepreneurship. HQ of sustainable banking pioneers Triodos, with multiple green features from intelligent heating to Living Wall.
Book for optional tours on Eventbrite via www.triodos.co.uk/events.
TRIODOS RENEWABLES AVONMOUTH WIND FARM
Kings Weston Lane, Bristol, BS11 8AQ (ADVANCE BOOKING REQUIRED)
Get up close to a commercial-scale wind turbine. Opened in 2013 and located on Wessex Water’s waste water treatment plant, Triodos Renewables’ 4-turbine wind farm provides enough green energy to meet the demand of around 4,600 UK homes.
Booking essential; book on Eventbrite via www.triodosrenewables.co.uk/events.
You can see the other venues open for your perusal at the Bristol Doors Open Day website or download the event guide here. You can also follow them on Twitter here: @BristolDOD
- You may like: Need To Know: Top tech incubators in the South West
