Anarchists launch bid to buy Bristol's iconic Turbo Island
From Bristol Live, UK by Paul Greaves
A plot of land is up for grabs at auction next week
A bid to buy Turbo Island has been lodged by a group of self-styled anarchists. A group called Seditionist Distribution has posted that it would make ideal custodians of the land in Stokes Croft and keep it 'just the way it is'.
The tweet asks people to join their endeavour and "chip in" some cash. In true anarchist style they have promised no refunds should the bid fail.
The group says on its website: "We'd like to buy it. Chip in and we'll all buy it together. If we don't make enough, we'll donate every single penny to local anarchist troublemaking."
The plot is up for grabs on Rightmove for £50,000. The site will be auctioned on Wednesday, October 16 as a freehold development site.
The area has a rich history and has cemented itself as one of the most identifiable areas of Bristol. It has been an integral part of Stokes Croft’s identity since 1940. It was once a shoe shop called Shoe Warehouse, which was destroyed during Second World War.
Back in 2022, Turbo Island was covered in concrete in an attempt to prevent anti-social behaviour. In a helpful FAQ section on its site Seditionist Distribution says: "What will you do with it? Nothing."
It adds: "If we do manage to buy it, we'll do something fun for everyone who helped, Sending you a Duchess of Turbo Island card or something idk. Send us ideas.
The post ends with a flat refusal to give supporters any money back. It says: "You will not receive anything. You will not be refunded. This is a voluntary donation that will either go towards buying Turbo Island or be given to local anarchist organisation."
Rightmove describes the plot in more conventional terms as a "freehold end of terrace plot" with scope for mixed use.
"The land has been subject to a pre-app request to Bristol City Council but is currently awaiting a formal response. We understand there is scope for a mixed use scheme with suggested Class E on the ground floor and 3 - 4 additional floors of residential accommodation. All subject to gaining the necessary consents."
For years, property companies, the council and local groups have attempted to work together to transform Turbo Island into a welcoming space.
BristolLive previously reported that People's Republic of Stokes Croft launched a fundraiser before the pandemic to try to buy the land. The republic said it doubted a bit of tarmac would make much difference, and even while the work was going on, some people had got onto the space and lit a fire.
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[ANew ed. - Seditionist Distribution link about Turbo Island here https://seditionist.uk/distro/uncategorized/turbo-island/ ]