‘We don’t have to accept this dominating and depressing development’

Members of Bristol Civic Society have fiercely objected to proposals for a new 28-storey tower which they describe as “depressing anywhere architecture”.

The tower is part of plans for the redevelopment of the Debenhams building which would see the construction of a mixed use development including the new tower which would overlook the Bearpit.

Dozens of objections have already been received for the controversial scheme for the former Debenhams and the building next to it, with the development encompassing parts of The Horsefair, The Haymarket and St James Barton.

The view today of the former Debenhams overlooking the Bearpit – image: NPA Visuals

Architects say that their scheme is “an uncluttered and aesthetically pleasing contribution to Bristol’s urban landscape” – image: NPA Visuals

“We have underlined that, like anybody else who cares about Bristol, we see tackling the housing crisis as a priority for the city,” say the Civic Society in their report.

“We also want to see a vibrant city centre.

“It is not, therefore, the principle of housing that concerns us, or even the prospect of taller buildings, but the massing of these proposals, their overwhelming bulk, the totally inappropriate height of a 28-storey tower in this location and the lack of decent, affordable, homes.

“The headline in Bristol24/7 in the run up to Christmas says it all: ‘Proposed 28-storey tower would ‘blight Bristol’s landscape’

“In our objection we emphasise that height of the tower is alien to the Bristol loved by many, both residents and visitors. And the sort of Bristol the clear majority, when asked, have consistently said they do not want.

“We are very concerned that despite the clear expressions of public preference the city council steamrollers on, encouraging developers to bring forward 28-storey towers in advance of any consideration through the formal local planning process; and without the clear strategy for tall buildings the Civic Society, and others, have repeatedly called for.

“In our view, and we have said this to the city council planners, Bristol deserves better than these proposals.

“We can house our citizens in decent, affordable homes and densify with civilised dignity in ways that keep the essence of Bristol.

“We don’t have to panic ourselves into accepting such a dominating and depressing development.

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

“We believe we should have the same ambition locally.”

A view of the proposed tower on the site of the former Debenhams which architects say will “enhance Bristol’s skyline” – image: NPA Visuals

The architects behind the scheme – known as Barr’s Street after a historic road due to be reinstated – claim that it will “provide an uncluttered and aesthetically pleasing contribution to the city’s urban landscape”.

They say that the design “has been tested and refined to provide a high quality appearance and form that provides a pleasant and welcoming street level environment and an engaging and welcoming façade that contributes to mid and long range views”.

And they claim that it is a scheme “that demonstrates design excellence, thorough high quality homes and exemplar architectural contextual response”, adding that they are intent on “improving the arrival experience into the centre from the north and east (and) enhancing Bristol’s skyline”.

Developers have placed their proposals for the Debenhams site alongside some consented and some proposed buildings in the city centre – image: VuCity

Main image: NPA Visuals

Read next:

• Proposed 28-storey tower would ‘blight Bristol’s landscape’
• ‘Bristol should learn from cities like Barcelona and ban high-rises from its centre’
• Proposals for 33-storey tower in Castle Park are ‘assault on Bristol’