It’s been nearly a month since the diggers moved into Turbo Island, one of Bristol’s most famous unofficial landmarks, to create what the owners hoped would be a ‘more welcoming space’. The addition of a tarmac surface and bike racks that not many people seem to want to use have met a mixed response from locals but has done little harm to the location's stellar five-star status on Google reviews.
For some people, this small triangle of land in Stokes Croft is synonymous with the city’s counter-culture scene and is part of the soul and fabric of the area. It has long attracted gatherings, fires and raves in part because its primary use as a site for advertising billboards left it vacant, while its private ownership left it outside the control of any council street drinking bans.
But for others, Turbo Island is a dangerous focal point for anti-social behaviour, with fires started on the formally rubble-ridden ground causing unnecessary problems for Avon Fire & Rescue, which was called out to 44 incidents on the site between April and July this year. Despite the redevelopment, figures from fire service revealed that firefighters were called to nine reports of fires at Turbo Island in the 12 days between October 25 - the day after the work began - and Sunday, November 6.
Read more: Turbo Island is no more - the end for a controversial Bristol institution
On Turbo Island’s Google reviews, a photo of one such fire was posted by a contributor called Ed alongside a five-star review. He wrote: “I'd been planning to travel from Australia just to experience the magic first-hand. I've now been informed that Turbo Island has fallen victim to the cruel mistress that is gentrification! However, as Solomon (the son of David) once said, the fire which sits atop a slab of recently paved concrete will burn the hottest!”
His is just one of 118 reviews on Google for Turbo Island, in which users overwhelmingly heap praise on the patch of ground, encouraging others to visit. Just before the work began, James Parish complemented Turbo Island’s “beautiful wildlife and natural scenery,” lamenting that it was “such a shame to hear the landowner is going to ruin this historic landmark - make your trip whilst unspoiled”.
Elsewhere Sam gave an evocative description to help readers decide whether to make the journey. He wrote: ”Located in the bustling centre of Stokes Croft Turbo Island boasts exotic scents, views and vibes. A lovely place with great staff. Thanks, National Trust, for this tucked-away heaven!”
Sam isn’t the only Google contributor for Turbo Island to get poetic. Jake Ohlsen wrote: “They say food can bring you back to your childhood. They say smell can bring your mind back to past memories almost lost. They say our pupils dilate as we behold perceived beauty.
“The trip I experience every time I visit this cultural hub is nothing short of euphoric as every one of my senses gets titillated and my mind is flooded by memories lost. Truly a place for any occasion and a gem proudly displayed for any worthy of witnessing her glory.”
Meanwhile, Seadog Collective shared a personal story with their review, saying: “Beautiful views, met the love of my life here, I plan to propose to her here soon.” Others focus on logistics, with Keith’s practical advice explaining: “This island is easily within the reach of most visitors even without chartering a boat. Very informal dress code and unlimited access/opening hours. May need to book during busy periods /holidays.”
With 37 likes, Cameron Gorrie’s enthusiastic description is the most highly-ranked by other users. He wrote: “Wow. Just wow. What an amazing spot, and what a little slice of heaven. View extraordinary. Owner a pleasure to talk to. Food divine. I recommend the filet mignon. Wine list so extensive I got lost in it.
“I used to laugh when people said England had natural beauty on par with the south of France or the Galapagos Islands, but now, I think of Turbo Island, and I can't help but agree. Take a look at the photos I posted, and you'll see what I mean. There goes the owner of Turbo Island. I must remember to thank him.”
Over four years, Turbo Island has amassed 118 reviews on Google, with an average of 4.8 stars, with people most commonly mentioning family, experience and music. The area has also inspired an Instagram account, 'Turbo Island in Bloom', which posted after the work was complete: "Gentrification has many guises. Yes, the shops and eateries are getting more bougie, yes the rent prices are going up.
"The idea behind this page was so I could quietly vent my frustration at the destruction and gentrification of Stokes Croft. Having watched the place slowly fall from being a utopia for artists, squatters and weirdos to the party strip for middle-class students.
"So yeah, it’s over. And potentially, you helped end it. Don’t worry, I won't sell the page on or start using it to promote my own shit. I’ll leave it as an archive of what happened."
Read more - The Turbo Island story
- Stokes Croft is 'at crisis point' in the fight against gentrification
- Moment thousands rave in street to DJ set out of Bristol flat window
- ‘The experiment failed’: Deputy Bristol mayor on Bearpit’s past as plans for multi-million pound makeover unveiled
- 'Turbo Island in Bloom', the hilarious Instagram account paying homage to unofficial Bristol landmark
- Firefighters called to Turbo Island nine times since it was 'cleaned up'
