Hotwells & Harbourside ward has an estimated population of 7,000, making it one of the smallest wards in Bristol in terms of voter numbers. It covers some parts of central Bristol, including the area between Hotwells Road in the west, the Watershed media centre/cinema in the east, the major shopping area of Park Street leading up to the university, and Jacobs Wells Road to the north and Cumberland Road to the south.  These latter districts are known as Canon’s Marsh, Spike Island and Cumberland Basin. The ward also includes some of Bristol’s most iconic spaces: College Green, Bristol Cathedral, the Floating Harbour, St George’s, and the green space of Brandon Hill.

Because of its central location and large number of apartments, it houses many young professionals, mostly living in private rented accommodation: 30% of the population are aged between 16 and 24, while only 6 % are children aged between 0 and 15.  However, it should be noted that 27% of the population live in social rented accommodation, and good quality housing continues to be a significant issue across both the private and public sectors.