Defib on the Move: Future Leap Site Prepares for Waitrose

Our public access defibrillator outside Future Leap, installed in October 2021, has now been taken offline and removed due to redevelopment works on the site.

Located at the prominent Zetland Road/Gloucester Road junction by the Arches, Future Leap was a well-used co-working, café, and community space when the defibrillator was first installed - a key spot with high footfall and strong visibility.

However, the property has since been acquired by Waitrose, who plan to completely transform the site. Following a second discussion with the developer this month, we’ve been informed that the area where the cabinet was installed will be fully boxed in, and the new glazed frontage design precludes the cabinet from being reinstalled there.

As a result, the defibrillator was taken offline last Sunday, and the cabinet removed once the electrics were disconnected. We’ve since cleaned, serviced, and lubricated the unit in preparation for reinstallation.

We’re currently in talks with the landlord of the Prince of Wales next door. He has shown great support and is seeking final approval from his bosses to allow us to relocate the defib to their side wall. To help smooth the process, Defibs4Bristol is funding the entire refit and installation, including certification.

While we wait for the go-ahead, the defibrillator remains safely offline. We’ll post an update as soon as the unit is back in place and live once again.

Thanks to everyone involved for helping us adapt and protect access to this vital piece of equipment.