News / Education
Hundreds of student beds for historic BRI site
An early nineteenth-century BRI building is set to be converted into a student complex as plans for a 738-bed development look likely to be approved.
The Old Building on Marlborough Street will be changed into offices and accommodation while a vast new student accommodation development, including a 20-storey tower, will be built behind, backing onto the coach station.
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Bristol-based student accommodation firm Unite are behind the plans. They said they aim to “create a safe, clean well run environment for its occupants, which respects their need for privacy and study”.
About 85 objections have been raised by locals, campaigners and pressure groups – including the Civic Society and Historic England – but council officers have recommended the plans for approval. Elected councillors will take the final decision with a vote next week.
The historic Old Building was previously thought to have been at risk of demolition, but under new plans it will be saved and converted into offices and medical school teaching accommodation.
Behind the existing building will be a 20-storey new-build development of 738 student beds formed around an open courtyard.
Bristol Civic Society has raised concerns about the height of the new buildings but council officers said it was a small price to pay for the retention of the historic Old Building “for future generations”.
The plans are set to be put to the development control committee on Wednesday, September 28.
Read more: BRI building under threat of demolition
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