1,500 homes earmarked for site near Temple Meads

Demolition work has already started to make way for new homes in an area of south Bristol earmarked for major redevelopment.

Mead Street, which runs parallel to York Road between Bedminster and Temple Meads, has been labelled as “one of the most significant and sustainable regeneration opportunities for the city” in documents that outline a new vision for the site.

A consultation has now been launched for people to give feedback on the proposals that are expected to deliver 500 new jobs as well as 1,500 homes and improved public transport links and cycling and walking routes.

Three separate planning proposals have been submitted by developers in the vicinity – including a 22-storey block as part of a 900-home project – prompting a backlash from some residents worried about the impact on the Totterdown skyline. A petition to protect the familiar view of colourful houses has gained more than 4,700 people to date.

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In its vision for the area near Temple Meads, Bristol City Council says there is “an opportunity at Mead Street to build at higher densities which can make best use of this sustainably located site”.

The development brief does not provide upper or lower limits on building heights but describes the principles of good design that development should be assessed against, with creating a low carbon network being one of the key priorities.

The aim is for redevelopment to be underpinned by the ’15-minute city’ principle where jobs, public transport connections and amenities are within easy walking or cycling distance of the home.

Redevelopment of the site will feed into the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone, which encompasses much of Temple Quarter and St Philip’s Marsh.

Launching the consultation on this latest vision, mayor Marvin Rees said: “Our regeneration plans for Temple Quarter and St Philip’s Marsh are unashamedly ambitious as we plan for the homes, jobs and public spaces that Bristol needs.

“The proposals for Mead Street in this development brief represent the next stage of this exciting project and reflect the need to bring new homes and jobs to the city while tackling the challenges of the climate and ecological emergencies.

“We want people from across the city to have their say on the ideas set out here, so that we can create a new neighbourhood that meets Bristolians’ needs for the future.”

Mead Street has been earmarked for regeneration with a potential 1,500 new homes and 500 jobs – image: Bristol Temple Quarter website

The vision outline proposals for a new energy centre in the Whitehouse Street area to serve Mead Street with low-carbon heat and the council has stated it wants 30 per cent of the housing – which is to be provided by private developers – to be affordable.

The Temple Quarter project, which is being jointly delivered by Bristol City Council, the West of England Combined Authority, Network Rail and Homes England, aims to bring up to 10,000 new homes and 22,000 new jobs to Bristol in the next 20 years.

If adopted, the development brief would be considered alongside planning policy and a site analysis to guide future development at Mead Street.

The proposals include plan to improve accessibility on the ‘Banana Bridge’ crossing the river between York Road and Clarence Road.

The council is hosting two drop-in events at LPW House, Princess Street, on Wednesday, June 22 and Thursday, June 23 from 3.30pm to 7.30pm. People can also find out more and give feedback online via www.bristol.citizenspace.com/growth-regeneration/mead-street-development-brief-consultation/ 

The consultation closes on Monday, July 4.

Main photo: Blur

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