The Castlemead Trinity, Bristol
Built 1960-81
Castle Mead Tower designed by A J Hines
Modernist Bristol
Bristol’s modernist and brutalist buildings are rarely celebrated. Some are listed, many are threatened, a few are already gone. This book is a record and an appreciation of the buildings and the era that made them possible.
The Marriott Hotel, Broadmead Car Park (1960) and Castlemead Tower (1973-81) provide a concrete triptych of such monumental beauty they deserve national recognition amongst Brutalist aficionados.
I stayed at the hotel once in the early 90s for a Courage Brewery conference. The evening was memorable and fun, although I preferred appreciating beer to modernist architecture in those bygone days.
Until 2022, Castlemead Tower was the second highest structure in Bristol. Only the spire of St Mary Redcliffe was higher.
The top level of the car park provides panoramic views of Bristol. Unfortunately the entrances are secured against wandering pedestrians, so to enjoy them youʼll have to park your car there.
