• Property developer First Base partners with the Trinity Centre to celebrate Old Market’s diverse heritage and history**

• First Base bringing the former Gardiner Haskin development back to life with new landmark development**

• Audio tour follows the cancellation of a series of guided walking tours scheduled for April 2020**

A series of guided walking tours of Bristol’s ancient Old Market - cancelled due to the arrival of Covid-19 - have now been made available in audio form, allowing people to explore the area’s rich history with just a pair of headphones for company.

The history of Old Market is often overlooked amongst Bristolians, but a new partnership between the Trinity Centre and First Base – the mixed-use property developer breathing new life into the former Gardiner Haskins site - hopes to bring some of this little-known history to our ears, guiding people on a fascinating journey of discovery at their own pace and in-line with social distancing guidelines.

The Old Market audio tour, recorded by Edson Burton from the Trinity Centre and Bristol tour guide John Hughes, will guide people through some of the city’s ancient historical landmarks and stories, many unknown to the everyday Bristolian. The tour tells the medieval tales of the Stag and Hounds public house and visits the former abode of Britain’s most prolific serial killer, with plenty of other fascinating stops along the way.

Liam Ronan-Chlond, Stakeholder & External Relations Lead at First Base, said:

“With so many historical landmarks for people to see in the area, our new audio tour will make exploring Old Market really accessible, at a time when getting outside is so welcome after many months indoors. We know that celebrating the area’s heritage is really important to local people and our partnership with the John and the Trinity Centre is the perfect way to do this.”

Dr Edson Burton, Heritage and Engagement Officer at the Trinity Centre, added:

“I’ve been researching the history of Old Market for a while now so I’m really excited to be part of this project which makes its fascinating history available to everyone. I’m passionate about imparting my knowledge of the city to whoever wants to listen, and Old Market is no exception. With so much to learn about the area I want to encourage residents and visitors alike to get their walking shoes on and start exploring!”

To access the audio walking tour, visit https://www.thesoapworksbristol.co.uk/audio-tour

First Base and Trinity Centre are asking people to share photos of themselves on the tour on social media or by email to firstbase@grayling.com, using the hashtag #oldmarketgems.

First Base is bringing the former Gardiner Haskins site back to life with a modern, mixed-use scheme which celebrates the history and heritage of Old Market and recognises the diverse cultures found across Bristol. Its planning application for Soapworks will reinvigorate a site that has been at the heart of Bristol’s economy for generations, delivering a mix of high-quality workspace, new homes and social spaces.

The application will be determined by Bristol City Council over the coming months.

To find out more information about the development, please go to: https://www.thesoapworksbristol.co.uk/.