Living next to Banksy in Bristol, UK

In my last post, I shared some history of Bristol's harbourfront and how important it was to Bristol's development to become UK's second busiest port. As trade developed, ships became bigger to carry more load. Gradually Bristol harbourfront docks were insufficient to deal with the increased load. New ports were built at the mouth of River Avon and by mid 19th century Bristol Harbourside docks started to go into decline.

Harbourside luxury flats

Where there's a waterfront, there are views, where there are views, there are properties. This is a foolproof formula and always popular with property developers. In UK, many older areas particularly by the river side or docks have been redeveloped in recent decades and turned into trendy living quarters. Blessed with a river running by the city center, Bristol is no exception.

Like many places, this area has been regenerated in recent years.
Some of the old warehouses along the river had been converted to fancy new apartments, and a bit further long swanky looking flats were built. The property prices here weren't too far off from London suburb prices. This wasn't too surprising giving its proximity to the city centre, and all the restaurants, bars, museums, galleries etc. It's definitely a desirable area for the young and affluent who are looking for a great lifestyle in Bristol.

I guess if money is not an issue (which reminds me, I need to get myself a Euromillions lottery ticket, the jackpot is £24m tomorrow), these properties would make a nice pied-à-terre. I would never make this my main home, I'm done with city life. Perhaps I'm really getting old now....

This has got to be my 'favourite' building, I love their creative use of space. These 2 bedroom flats, inclusive of underground parking and a 100 ft outdoor terrace cost £550k, that's nearly USD708k. I won't repeat hubby's reaction when I told him the price ^_^

Banksy

One thing, or rather person that Bristol is famous for is Banksy. Although no one knows his real identity, the fact that he hails from Bristol seems indisputable. One advantage about living in this area is you can boast to live near Banksy, or his works to be specific. Many of his works can be found all over Bristol, and one of his murals is located at the far end of the Harbourside at Albion Docks.

This part of the Harbourside isn't as fancy and touristy, it's a bit like I've suddenly walked into a totally different world. In reality, I've only crossed a street from the historical SS Great Britain and the swanky expensive flats. Banksy has a mural on this rather sad looking building by the tower clock.

There were a few guys standing outside an alleyway, I peeped inside, and there she was - The Girl with the Pierced Eardrum. This mural has been here since 2014 and is based on Girl with a Pearl Earring by the Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer, expect her earring is a security alarm instead of a pearl. The mural has had a Covid makeover since April and now wears a face mask, just like everyone else. No one knows who added the face mask and Banksy hasn't commented on it.

I walked down the alley towards the mural, it wretched of urine, the alley not the mural!! This is the first time I've seen Banksy's work in real life. Although it's had a makeover and I couldn't see most of her face, I'm pleased I saw this version as I doubt it's going to be around forever. It's like witnessing part of history.

During all my life living around Bristol, this is the first time I've ever set foot in the Harbourside area. I remember when I was a kid, we'd drive by into the city across the river and there wasn't anything there. Then over a decade ago flats started to appear by the riverside. What I didn't realise was that there is so much behind what I can from across the river. That just shows how little I know about my city, and the astronomical property prices!!!

I hope you've enjoyed my visit to Bristol Harbourside. If you missed my previous posts on the are, you can check them out here.

Toppling the Colston statue and social distance with a heart in Bristol, UK
SS Great Britain at Bristol Harbourside, UK

You can checkout all my travel post on the Pinmapple here or click on Mr Pinmapple below