News / Narrow Quay
Empty plot of land could finally be built on
A plot of land that has been empty for as long as most people can remember is now for sale.
The land on Narrow Quay between the Arnolfini and Design West is being marketed as “suitable for a variety of commercial uses” including the potential for office, retail or residential.
There is no price publicised for the 3,000 sq ft site, with unconditional offers being invited by Burston Cook.
is needed now More than ever
The site is allocated for development in the Bristol Central Area Plan – photo: Martin Booth
The site looks towards the Floating Harbour and backs onto the Shakespeare pub on Prince Street, owned by Greene King, who over the years have had numerous discussions with the land’s owners, Samuel Smith, about its use with nothing happening until now.
Bristol24/7 understands that Yorkshire-based brewery Samuel Smith were unable to buy the Shakespeare, who in turn could not use the land behind the pub as a beer garden while it was owned by a rival brewery.
Samuel Smith had previously submitted plans for a four-storey development of a pub, restaurant and staff accommodation on the land, but withdrew them in 1997.
Buildings were here between what is now the Arnolfini and Design West until at least 1974, when this photo was taken – photo: Know Your Place
“Fantastic to see this amazing site finally coming forwards for development,” tweeted Nicola Beech, cabinet member for planning.
“Yes it’s complicated, yes it’s got access issues but it is so long overdue and I’m really pleased to see this come onto the market after so many years.”
The news comes soon after Samuel Smith have sold another unused site they own nearby.
The former seamen’s chapel on Prince Street has been purchased by the same owners of the Llandogger Trow and The Lanes.
The site is now obscured by trees when seen from the other side of the Floating Harbour – photo: Martin Booth
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read next:
- Push to develop notorious derelict sites in city centre
- Llandoger Trow owners could take over derelict city centre church
- ‘Exciting’ new bar from Bristol brewery to open in Carriageworks
Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
