Recreational

A notable example of recreational adaptive reuse is the transformation of St Paul’s Church in Bristol into a home for Circomedia, a renowned centre for contemporary circus and physical theatre. This innovative project demonstrates how a redundant church can be reimagined as a vibrant cultural and recreational venue, ensuring its survival by embedding it within the creative life of the city.

The Grade I listed Georgian church, which had stood empty and deteriorating for decades, was given a new lease of life through sensitive restoration and adaptation. Circomedia retained the building’s soaring nave and intricate architectural details, turning them into dramatic performance and training spaces while integrating modern facilities. The result is a unique venue that serves not only as a school for circus and physical theatre but also as a performance and events space, accessible to the wider community.

This project highlights how adaptive reuse for recreation can safeguard important heritage assets, preserve their architectural character, and contribute to local cultural identity. By breathing energy and creativity into St Paul’s, Circomedia has secured the church’s future while enhancing Bristol’s reputation as a centre for the arts.