Civic Society objects to 28-storey tower ‘in the strongest terms’

A proposed tower block in the city centre would have “substantial, adverse consequences” for Bristol, according to our city’s Civic Society.

Developer Olympian Homes wants to demolish Premier Inn overlooking the Bearpit and replace it with two towers of 28 and 18 storeys.

The 28-storey tower would be student accommodation with 445 beds while the 18-storey block would be made up of “co-living” flats with 136 bedrooms, 20 per cent of which would be ‘affordable’.

But Bristol Civic Society objects to the planning application “in the strongest terms” due to concerns over the development’s height and scale, sustainability, impact on heritage and affordability.

A spokesperson for Olympian Homes said the location is currently “not a welcoming place to be” and, in fact, the best place for a tall building in the city, adding that the development, called St James’ Square, would provide much-needed affordable homes.

The hotel was originally built as the offices for Avon County Council in 1972 – photo: Betty Woolerton

In a 12-page document, Bristol Civic Society said: “Now we’ve had the opportunity to look at the proposals in detail, we don’t like them any more than we did when we first saw them.

“We believe an opportunity is being missed to reconfigure this part of Bristol in a way that civilises our streets at human scale.

“We have serious questions about the quality of accommodation being created, and aren’t convinced by the developer’s ‘green’ sales pitch.

“In our view, the proposals show a disappointing neglect of how we should plan our city in the face of climate change.

“National policy tells us that creating high quality, beautiful and sustainable buildings and places is fundamental to what the planning and development process should achieve.

“These proposals, however, are the epitome of the industrial scale, nowhere but everywhere urban design and architecture that is changing the character of Bristol for the worse.

“We are particularly appalled by the proposed 28-storey tower.

“It is cavalier in its disregard for the principles that make successful places and the unique character Bristol derives from a successful integration of built form and topography.

“We’re worried that these proposals perpetuate the sort of mistakes previous generations made and we, who are still living with them, regret.”

The new scheme seen as leaving Bristol Bus Station – image: Olympian Homes

In response, a spokesperson for Olympian Homes said: ““As one of the Civic Society members said during our meeting with them, if there is anywhere in Bristol where a tall building would fit, this is it.

“We agree wholeheartedly with that comment.

“We appreciate some members of the Civic Society seem to oppose any proposal involving tall buildings in Bristol – and respect their right to express those views, though not sure the current building is part of that ‘unique Bristol character’ the society says it is keen to protect.”

They added: “Currently this is not a welcoming place to be.

“We have a video on our website that shows what it’s like to leave Bristol Bus and Coach Station at the moment – and how we’d transform that experience.

“Our proposal includes 1,900m² of new public open space – that’s two thirds of the site’s area. We’ll be creating attractive and welcoming landscaping with a new central courtyard café, extensive planting and green spaces.

“We are proposing clearly orientated and safe pedestrian routes through the site connecting Bristol Bus Station, Broadmead, St James’ Priory and the Bearpit – and opening up views to the historic St James’ Priory, currently largely hidden behind the Beefeater.

They continued: “Is it ‘cavalier’, as the society suggests, to build new city-centre homes including much-needed affordable homes at rents tied to local housing allowance?

“One could argue it is cavalier to ignore the housing crisis and the needs of local people.”

Bristol City Council will make a decision on the planning application.

Main image: Olympian Homes

Read next:

• Plans to expand and enhance Castle Park
• More details revealed for new towers replacing Premier Inn
• Plans for hundreds of homes on former Debenhams site

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