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Development of Castle Park ‘should not be to the detriment of historic features’
Bristol Civic Society are keen to see “an appropriate redevelopment” of the eyesore buildings in the south-western corner of Castle Park.
But they also say that they cannot support the current plans for the redevelopment of the St Mary le Port site.
“Our strong view is that this is not an appropriate design response to this sensitive site located in Bristol’s historic core,” says a statement from the Civic Society, an independent organisation that exists “to improve Bristol’s built environment and celebrate its heritage”.
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The Civic Society say that although there are “a number of commendable aspects of the scheme, the harmful impacts, particularly those flowing from the heights of the buildings, outweigh these”.
“The site’s current condition, and the wish to see it redeveloped and brought into productive use, should not be to the detriment of the historic features and character of this sensitive part of the city.”
St Mary le Port’s restored tower is set to be at the centre of the proposed new development – image: MEPC
“Ideally, the Society would like to see the application site and adjoining highway land considered together in the redevelopment of the area.
“Not doing so potentially risks missing an opportunity to deliver an outstanding piece of place making that Bristol would be proud of.”
The organisation say that they cannot support the proposed heights of the three office buildings because of:
- the substantial harm to the setting (and views) of medieval church spires
- the substantial harm to the setting of a significant number of other listed buildings
- the overall adverse effect on the city and Queen Square Conservation Area
- and the harm to views to the development when seen from many viewpoints.
The development would be built in the south-western corner of Castle Park – image: MEPC
Main image: MEPC
Read more: Mixed reactions to St Mary le Port plans
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