News / Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone
Compulsory purchase plan for derelict eyesore at Temple Gate
Derelict for decades and shrouded in scaffolding, the Grosvenor Hotel by Temple Meads is one of Bristol’s most renowned eyesores.
Now the council intends to take decisive action over the future of the dilapidated building by carrying out a compulsory purchase order – a move it hopes will facilitate the regeneration of the area with the creation of Engine Shed 2.
Glimpse of the proposed Engine Shed 2 plans
This follows years of wrangling over the once-grand hotel that currently stands in the centre of ongoing roadworks. The council says that officers have made “repeated attempts” to purchase it from owners, to no avail.
is needed now More than ever
But even if cabinet members approve the compulsory purchase order, it remains a complicated situation. The building’s owner has previously spoken out against plans to knock down the hotel to make way for the Engine Shed 2 development – which has been granted outline planning consent.
There is also a third company, Grosvenor Property Developers Ltd, that wants to turn the building into student accommodation. The company has already advertised the flats for sale, but no work has taken place at the site.
On top of that, campaigners have been putting pressure on the council to protect the historic hotel from demolition – they want to see it restored to its former glory instead.
Historic photo of the Grosvenor Hotel from the air. Photo from Allie Cartwright
In a statement, the council said that “efforts to negotiate with the hotel’s owner will continue, but in order to make progress it is likely that compulsory acquisition will be necessary”.
Craig Cheney, deputy mayor with responsibility for finance, said: “Bristol Temple Quarter is one of the UK’s largest regeneration projects and a key priority for the city council as part of our efforts to deliver new homes, employment and sustainable growth for the benefit of local people.
“Temple Square is a gateway to the Temple Quarter and we are making good progress towards improving the road layout and opening up new development land in this area.
“It’s now time to focus on how we can move forward with the redevelopment of these eyesore buildings – not only to provide a better first impression of Bristol but also to create new jobs and opportunities as part of a thriving city centre.”
Detailed planning permission for the development of Engine Shed 2 and outline planning consent for the Temple Square development were granted in November 2017, as part of plans to complement and expand the thriving Engine Shed – which is ranked jointly as the world’s top business incubator.
Under the proposals, London-based developers Skansa would develop land between 100 Temple Street, Engine Shed 2 and Temple Square to create a new “high quality area of public realm called Temple Square Plaza”.
Cabinet members will decide whether to approve this approach at their next meeting on Tuesday, November 6.
Read more: Campaigners call for help to save Bristol’s Grosvenor Hotel
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