Bristol 2026 — Circ_it x Rise Collective

What does Good Growth look like for Bristol?

Thanks to everyone who joined us in Bristol for our collaboration with Rise Collective. A fantastic turnout and an energetic mix of networking, discussion and live Circ_it design hacking.

The session combined a rapid-fire mini sprint with a deeper dive into what it really takes to deliver #GoodGrowth in practice. Bringing together voices from across the built environment, we explored challenges, opportunities and practical ideas for creating better places and stronger communities.

There was no shortage of insight, challenge or creativity in the room. From certainty and confidence in delivery to public understanding, land value and the role of expertise, the conversation generated plenty of ideas to take forward.

As always, the real value came from the people in the room. Curious minds, honest conversations and a healthy dose of fun throughout.

What does Good Growth look like?

32 responses · Three words · Design West, Bristol

Sustainable Regenerative Inclusive
People Place Community Locally led Holistic
Nature Impactful Legacy Engaging Partnership Phased
Human Green Creative Innovative Sense of place Child friendly Strong communities

What's the biggest blocker to Good Growth?

38 votes · Design West, Bristol

Fragmented Leadership + Lack of Joined-Up Thinking

29%

Lack of Long-Term Vision + Stewardship

24%

Funding + Viability Constraints

18%

Community Disconnect + Weak Engagement

13%

Planning System + Governance Friction

11%

Skills, Capacity + Capability Gaps

Bristol findings: 4 key themes

Certainty Builds Confidence

Consistent policy, stable governance and clear long-term direction create confidence for local authorities, investors and communities. Better places are delivered when people can plan, invest and collaborate within a predictable framework.

→ Stability is not a constraint. It is the foundation.

Land Value for Public Value

Current land economics often constrain quality and ambition. New approaches to land assembly, value capture and public sector intervention could unlock better homes, infrastructure, public realm and long-term community benefits.

→ Who captures value shapes what gets built.

Sell the Benefits, Not the Buildings

Communities often see development but not the wider outcomes it delivers. Better storytelling should connect growth to schools, healthcare, transport, biodiversity, jobs and investment that improve everyday life.

→ People back places that work for them. Show them how.

Expertise Matters

Complex planning and regeneration decisions require informed judgement and specialist knowledge. Better outcomes are achieved when experienced professionals are trusted to guide decision-making, supported by transparent engagement and clear communication with communities.

→ Trust expertise. Explain it. Earn it back.

From momentum to delivery

The challenge now is turning that momentum into delivery. Let's make the fixes a reality.

In the meantime, feel free to share, challenge, and build on the outputs - and if there's a project or place where you'd like to apply this thinking, let's set up a conversation.

Thanks again for bringing the energy and insight.