News / redevelopment
The area of Bristol that could soon become unrecognisable
Today it has a gym, a decorating trade centre and an electrical trade centre.
But within a few years, this corner of Bristol could have landscaped garden and cycling hub as well as a 16-storey tower containing hundreds of student rooms.
A press release promises that the latest development in St Philip’s Marsh “will focus on placemaking, enhancing connectivity and biodiversity”.
is needed now More than ever
The site is on Albert Road the other side of the distinctive blue railway bridge from Bristol Animal Rescue Centre.
Developers promise that Valesco Fitness Collective, who currently occupy a former warehouse on the site next to the River Avon, will be given a new home within the proposed development designed by Redcliffe architects AHMM, and London-based landscape architect and horticulturist Churchman Thornhill Finch.
Albert Road is crossed by a distinctive blue railway bridge next to which the new development will be built – photo: Martin Booth
AHMM director Cormac Farrelly said: “This site is just 300 metres from the university’s new campus, and St Philip’s Bridge will become a busy, key route for local residents and students as part of the huge Temple Quarter regeneration.
“At the moment crossing over the bridge into St Philip’s is far from a welcoming experience. You’re greeted by the back walls of industrial units, it is poorly lit and really quite hostile.
“We are seeking to transform this site into a vibrant hub at this key intersection, that can be enjoyed by local residents, commuters and the students that will be moving into this area to study at the new university campus.
“We have designed a scheme we believe will set the bar for all the development to follow in this area.
“As one of the very first proposals in this part of the wider Temple Quarter regeneration area, we want the development to be a catalyst for high quality regeneration.”
The development site is next to the ramp leading up to the St Philip’s Footbridge, colloquially known as ‘the bridge to nowhere’ – photo: Martin Booth
The highest block in the new development could be 16 storeys high – image: AHMM
Developer Avon Capital’s plans are for a 16-storey building to front the River Avon opposite Temple Island – formerly known as Arena Island.
Some 480 student rooms would be built as part of the scheme, with students likely to be studying at the University of Bristol’s new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus which is being built on the former sorting office on Cattle Market Road next to Temple Meads.
The latest plans for Temple Island are for 500 new homes, office space for up to 2,000 people, and a hotel and conference centre; with the arena originally due to be built here now likely to be constructed in Filton.
The proposed development site on Albert Road is between St Philip’s footbridge and a railway bridge – photo: Google Maps
Avon Capital’s Ashley Whittome said: “Given how close the site will be to the new campus, we feel it is a logical and highly sustainable place for new purpose-built student accommodation.
“But there is also an opportunity to create an attractive meeting place for the whole community at this important junction.
“We are looking to create a stunning new building and invest in high-quality public open space.
For more information about the proposed scheme, visit www.albertroadconsultation.co.uk
Developers say that this scheme “will set the bar for all the development to follow in this area” – image: AHMM
Main image: AHMM
Read next:
- Changes needed due to bridges being built for cancelled arena
- ‘Significant risk to life’ remains if homes built on caravan park
- ‘Huge opportunity’ to shape future of Temple Island
- ‘Major milestone’ in Temple Quarter regeneration project
Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
