Public inquiry could decide fate of controversial St Mary le Port scheme

Developers say that they are “disappointed” with a decision by Bristol Civic Society that could potentially derail a long-awaited scheme to build on one of the city’s most historic areas.

The Civic Society has requested that the secretary of state “call in” the St Mary le Port proposals and to hold an independent public inquiry.

The scheme on the corner of Castle Park where there are currently three empty buildings around the tower of the former St Mary le Port church are for shops, restaurants and cafes on the ground floor of new buildings and office space on the floors above.

Bristol’s medieval high cross used to stand on the crossroads of Corn Street, Broad Street, Wine Street and High Street – photo: Martin Booth

Developers say that “central to (their) plans is the creation of a place that combines Bristol’s vibrant contemporary culture with its rich history and heritage” – image: MEPC

But the Civic Society is concerned about “the manner in which the planned monolithic blocks would dominate Bristol’s historic heart and townscape”.

“The Civic Society is keen to see an appropriate redevelopment of this important city centre site which currently is an eyesore,” said society chair, Simon Birch.

“However, we cannot support this proposal and consider that it needs further detailed assessment,”

Bristol’s name derives from Brigstowe, meaning ‘the place of the bridge’ – photo: Martin Booth

One of the tallest buildings in the development is meant to hark back to the days of the Dutch House on the site – image: MEPC

Following discussions with Historic England – who also objected to the St Mary le Port plans – and other organisations and individuals, the Civic Society has now made a formal request to government to “call in” the scheme and to establish a public inquiry to examine the proposals independently.

The proposals were previously approved by city councillors in December.

Michael Gove, the secretary of state for levelling up, housing & communities, will call in the planning application if he considers it raises issues of more than local importance and he should take the decision.

The historic tower of St Mary le Port church is currently hidden behind what is generally agreed to be a trio of eyesore buildings – photo: Martin Booth

An opened up St Mary le Port ruin will link to the Floating Harbour, with a series of south facing landscaped terraces leading to the water – image: MEPC

Roz Bird, commercial director of St Mary le Port developers MEPC, said: “We are disappointed with the decision by Bristol Civic Society.”

She said that MEPC’s plans will provide “a diverse mix of retail opportunities… and deliver new much needed best in class office accommodation”.

Bird said that the scheme will “open up the entire area, repair and reuse St Mary le Port tower, which is currently on Historic England’s ‘Heritage at Risk’ register, improve access to neighbouring Castle Park, increase biodiversity on site by over 85 per cent (and) reinstate streets and routes which were lost after the Second World War”.

The St Mary le Port proposal from above – image: MEPC

Bird added: “We undertook extensive community engagement, and whilst some concerns were raised, which we looked to address, there were many others who supported the proposal including city stakeholders and residents and in particular the Friends of Castle Park, the local amenity group.

“St Mary le Port is a complex site, and we believe we’ve found the right balance. This view was also shared by the city council when it concluded that the scheme ‘has a significant degree of policy compliance’.”

Main image: MEPC

Take a walk around some of the hidden corners of the Old City including St Mary le Port’s ruins with Martin Booth and Yuup: www.yuup.co/experiences/explore-bristol-s-quirkiest-corners

The Dutch House on the corner of Wine Street and High Street was destroyed in the Blitz – photo: Bristol Archives

Read more: St Mary le Port development plans split opinion

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