A plot of brownfield land near Bristol Temple Meads station could be transformed into a 374-bed student block under new plans. Developer Watkin Jones has set out proposals for the vacant site at 68-72 Avon Street, which would also include a commercial or community space, courtyard gardens and a gym.
The area earmarked by the company is the former ATS tyre centre next to Motion nightclub, which is within a short walk of the new £300m University of Bristol Temple Quarter enterprise campus.
Watkin Jones is proposing to demolish the existing building on the site and replace it with purpose-built student accommodation, varying in height from six to 11 storeys. The plans also include private gardens for residents, student social and workspaces, a new courtyard, and improvement works to Avon Street, according to the company.
“There will be a mixture of six and eight-bedroom clusters as well as studio accommodation,” Watkin Jones said. “The development site was historically used as a Vitriol Works – creating brightly coloured chemicals. We were inspired to reflect the historic use of the site through the design of the building – proposing the use of coloured glazed bricks.”
The company added: “The area is already changing dramatically, with construction of the new University of Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus well underway, and nearby developments in support of the new facility also being built, or considered for planning consent.”
Local residents and businesses are being invited to provide feedback on the plans with the consultation open until October 21.
Watkin Jones has said it expects to submit a planning application to Bristol City Council before the end of the year. The proposals, along with the opportunity to provide feedback, are available to view on www.68avonstreet.com.