Bristol is on course for a number of big changes in the next few years, in particular when it comes to the city centre. Various big developments are on track to begin which would have huge ramifications for the whole city.
The likes of the demolition of the Galleries and the current demolition of the Premier Inn at the Bearpit have had plenty of coverage. Likewise plans to pedestrianise Broadmead would change how the shopping district would feel for everyone.
In late November, the phasing plan for a development on the corner of Castle Park was submitted. Planning permission for that development, which would see derelict buildings on the corner of High Street and Wine Street demolished, was given in 2022, but the submission of the phasing plan marks a little progress towards creating a “city in the park”.
So, what will happen and how will the area look once completed?
What will be demolished?
There are three buildings which will be demolished as part of the development. The buildings which are the former Bank of England House, Bank House and the Norwich Union House will be demolished, with the exception of the basements for each building.
The three bank houses are all located within Castle Park on the corner of High Street and Wine Street. The site had been recently used for filming Down Cemetery Road earlier this month.
The St Mary le Port Church, located behind the Bank of England House, will not be demolished but will be stabilised as part of the works. Under plans submitted, developers hope to open up the former church which was damaged during the Second World War.
What is the big plan?
Under the plans taken from the design and access statement, the area will be turned into a mini city which replicates what Castle Park would have looked like prior to the Bristol Blitz. During the Bristol Blitz, Castle Park was bombed heavily, causing severe damage to the historic neighbourhoods and streets along the river.
The applicant, SMLP Bristol GP Limited, aims to restore Mary Le Port Street, Adam & Eve Lane, Bridge Street, Cheese Market and Butter Market Passage. Mary Le Port Street would connect St Nicholas Market directly to St Peter’s Church (at the top of Union Street) and Bridge Street would run alongside the river at the bottom of the park.
The three buildings which would be demolished would be built as office blocks to suit a range of different businesses, however the basement and ground floors would various units for retail. Encompassing all the new streets, it would include a number of big and small businesses to “complement St Nicholas Market” and expand on the offering from neighbouring Broadmead.
What would pedestrians find in the new city?
Within the three buildings, planning permission was applied for, and granted, for the following:
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Retail shops
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Bars and restaurants
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A launderette
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Pubs
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Takeaways
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Cinema
There would also be basement car parking via Adam & Eve Lane, which will be exclusively for Blue Badge holders. There would also be 664 long-stay cycle parking spaces.
The office buildings overlooking Wine Street will both be eight storeys in height. The other office building, to be located on the new Mary Le Port Street, will be nine storeys in height.
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