City Hall, Bristol – the Neo-Georgian council seat on College Green

City Hall in Bristol is a Neo-Georgian municipal building in the city centre and has been the seat of local government since 1956. It forms a wide curve along one side of College Green, facing Bristol Cathedral and standing at the foot of Park Street. It was formerly known as the Council House and took its present name in November 2012. The building is Grade II* listed.

Who designed City Hall and when was it built?

The architect was Vincent Harris, who drew up the design in the 1930s. Construction began in 1938, but the Second World War interrupted the work and delayed the project for years. The building was completed in 1952, and Queen Elizabeth II formally opened it on 17 April 1956. It has housed the city's government ever since.

What does the building look like?

The style is a restrained Neo-Georgian. A concrete frame is clad in brick with Portland stone dressings, and the broad, curving front emphasises the horizontal sweep of the building and follows the shape of the green. Look for the gilded unicorns that crown the end pavilions. It is a late example of a large classical civic building in Britain, finished in an era when architectural fashion was moving elsewhere.

Why does College Green look the way it does?

The construction of City Hall changed the whole square. In 1950, at Harris's request, the level of College Green was lowered by about 4 feet 6 inches (roughly 1.4 m). Its trees, a statue and the High Cross were removed. Harris reportedly said the change would "make" his building. The decision was controversial, since many locals valued the green as a historic space in its own right.

Getting there and what to see nearby

City Hall sits in the heart of Bristol, so it is easy to include in a walk around the centre. Bristol Cathedral is directly opposite, and Park Street, one of the main streets climbing up through the city, begins beside it. The best view of the façade is from the green itself, where the full curve of the building is visible.

Frequently asked questions

Is City Hall in Bristol a listed building? Yes, it is listed Grade II*.

When did City Hall open? It was formally opened on 17 April 1956, although construction had finished in 1952.

Did it have a different name? Yes, it was originally the Council House. It became City Hall in November 2012.

Who designed it? Vincent Harris, whose design dates from before the Second World War.

Where exactly is it? On College Green opposite Bristol Cathedral, at the foot of Park Street in the city centre.