Civic Society slams Temple Island plans as ‘unattractive’ and too tall

Bristol Civic Society‘s chairman has not held back with his strong feelings against the current plans for Temple Island.

The future of the land close to Temple Meads formerly known as Arena Island is being called “a vibrant new urban district” by Legal & General (L&G).

Plans are for 500 new homes, up to 2,000 new jobs, and a new hotel and conference centre, with L&G “committed to creating a place that puts wellbeing and sustainability at its core, and one that will benefit the local economy, the environment and the communities that surround it”.

L&G has agreed to invest £350m to transform the disused site. In return, Bristol City Council will spend £32m getting the plot ready, including sorting contamination issues, before leasing Temple Island to the asset management firm for 250 years.

The council will also guarantee L&G rent on the office space for 40 years, an offer deemed “necessary” by mayor Marvin Rees to secure the investment.

A previously released artist’s impression of Legal & General’s plans for Temple Island, showing Brock’s Bridge and St Philip’s Footbridge – image: Legal & General

Bristol Civic Society chair John Payne, speaking on behalf of the organisation, said that he “was disappointed with the proposals for this important site. We cannot support the preapplication plans as they stand.”

He said: “Temple Island will be the gateway to the commercial centre of Bristol on the approaches from Bath on the A4 and Wells on the A37.

“The Society feels strongly that the proposal, as presented at this stage, fails to live up to this important role which would require an outstanding development.

“Instead, the site is to be laid out with a series of buildings of varied height but mostly tall. Despite some architectural relief, these buildings are largely orthogonal in nature and located around the periphery of the site.

“We are concerned that this layout will create an unattractive environment at ground level which would be exacerbated by the effects of the tall buildings on wind currents.

“The Society would prefer a far greater sense of enclosure and intimacy at ground level and we feel that the proposal’s aspiration of creating a square in the centre will not work well with the proposed layout.

“We wonder if this could be achieved with a lower rise development spread over a broader footprint comprising more interesting building shapes, particularly at ground level.”

L&G say that they “are committed to delivering a landmark scheme” and have engaged the world-renowned firm Zaha Hadid Architects – image: Legal & General

Payne added: “We have a number of concerns about both pedestrian and traffic circulation.

“The success of the development in terms of its liveliness and, possibly the viability of the retail outlets, will depend on footfall particularly when the conference facilities are not in use and there is no guarantee at this stage that the hotel and conference facilities will be built or be successful if they are.

“This is a major challenge as the site is bounded by a number of physical barriers and is not, as yet, on a clear route to anywhere. Potential traffic problems relating in particular to the hotel and conference facilities need to be resolved in any application.

“We are concerned that the preponderance of tall buildings will exacerbate the proposed development’s carbon footprint.

“The Society believes that Bristol deserves a response to this important location which accords with national policy to produce beautiful architecture. We strongly urge the applicants to address this.”

Marvin Rees on Temple Island – photo: Betty Woolerton

Often characterised as being anti-development, Bristol Civic Society describe themselves as “an independent, voluntary organisation that exists to improve Bristol’s built environment and celebrate its heritage. Through our working groups, we seek to influence development of major sites and improve transport and place-making.”

Bristol Civic Society’s AGM is taking place on Tuesday from 7pm in the Viridor Theatre at SS Great Britain and is open to both members and friends. For more information, visit www.bristolcivicsociety.org.uk/annual-general-meeting-20th-june-2023

Main image: Legal & General

Read next:

• ‘Huge opportunity’ to shape future of Temple Island
• £350m Temple Island deal finalised
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