Big Green Ideas for bristol harbour

Design Competition

Design West and Bristol BID are launching a new ideas competition to explore how green and blue infrastructure could transform key harbourside locations.

As part of Bristol BID’s Green and Blue Infrastructure Vision the competition invites simple, imaginative ideas that bring more nature, water, biodiversity and climate resilience into the heart of Bristol.

The brief

 Bristol BID has identified a set of harbourside locations that would benefit from public realm improvements but aren’t currently in line for imminent change. We’re inviting entrants to propose concepts for these spaces free from the usual constraints of a live commission. The three sites are: Bathurst Basin, Hanover Quay, and The Grove.

Think of your entry as an idea, not a finished construction plan. We want proposals that provoke conversation, demonstrate what’s possible, and showcase Bristol’s design talent.

Entries can cover any form of public realm improvement, including:

• Seating and gathering places
• Greening and planting
• Natural Play
• Art installations

why now?

Bristol’s climate is changing: heavier rain and hotter summers. Green and blue infrastructure can make a big difference; cooling streets, managing surface water, and making places more welcoming and enjoyable to spend time in. This competition puts that ambition into practice across three key harbourside locations.

This is a priority for Bristol. The city council’s own emerging Blue and Green Infrastructure Strategy treats green and blue spaces as a single connected network, one that protects the city against flooding and extreme heat as the climate changes, while creating everyday benefits for people’s health and wellbeing. 

competition information

who can enter?

The competition is open to all emerging talent — professionals, students and the public alike. You don’t need a formal qualification to enter. One submission per entrant or team.

Submission requirements

Submit a single-page PDF (A1 size) with your concept and visualisations along with a short statement about your design. Submit via the ‘ENTER NOW’ button below.

key dates

The competition opens on 15 September 2026 and closes at Midnight on 1 November 2026.

award announcement

Winners will be announced at an event at the BRAZEN Festival on November 11 2026. 

See the competition pack for more information including site details, eligibility, evaluation criteria and FAQs.