L5 Redcliffe Caves
The city’s hidden depths, open for art, culture and discovery.
The opportunity
The Redcliffe Caves are a series of man-made tunnels beneath the Redcliffe neighbourhood. This is a unique and exciting opportunity to host longer term or meanwhile uses in the caves such as film showings, art exhibitions or tours, making it a popular space for the community. The site presents an excellent opportunity for an events company to take on its operation and management, with the area outside the caves on Phoenix Wharf offering space for a building providing supporting facilities.
Technical information
- Size: The explored and mapped area cover 0.40 ha. However, the total extent of the caves is not known. Currently the capacity for events in 80 people.
- Lease Length: We are looking for an events operator to take on its operation and management.
- Access: The site is a 10 minute walk to Temple Meads Station. Access is from Redcliffe Wharf. Closest public parking is Redcliffe Parade car park or Portwall Lane car park and nearest vehicle access point for loading is Phoenix Wharf.
- Permissions: Planning permission would be required for any use longer than 28 days and will be liable to business rates. As with all the sites in the Prospectus, flood risk will need considering.
- Power & Utilities: See Resources section.
Current and past uses
- The caves were originally dug in the Middle Ages with further excavation taking place in the 17th to early 19th century and used for storage of trade goods.
- It is now used by the Bristol City Council Film Office and Events team throughout the year.
The wider area
- As outlined in the Harbour Place Shaping Strategy, the vision for this area is to transform it into an increasingly vibrant and dynamic part of the harbour.
- Redcliffe Wharf also sits on the edge of North Redcliffe which has seen significant investment over the last 10-15 years for new homes and businesses.
- From April 2025, the M2 Metrobus service along Cumberland Road was extended to include additional evening and Sunday services to Long Ashton Park & Ride.
Interested in this site?
The deadline for applications for Redcliffe Caves is: 17 November 2025.
