A controversial office block redevelopment that sparked a campaign from regulars at one of Bristol’s most historic ‘hidden’ pubs is set to get the go-ahead, after developers changed their plans.
Now, the family that run the Cornubia, a pub that dates back to 1775, say they are fully supportive of the plan to demolish one of the 1970s office buildings that surrounds them, and build a new one in its place.
The developers own Canningford House, which has room for around 200 office workers on Victoria Street in Redcliffe, and also own the historic Cornubia pub which lies round the back on Temple Street.
The plan is to demolish the big seven-storey office block and build a new modern one. The pub and its regulars had started a campaign a couple of years ago when the plans were first unveiled, saying it risked effectively put them out of business because part of their famous beer garden was going to be turned into a new pedestrian lane through to Victoria Street.
But now, the family that run the pub said the developers have worked with them to come up with a better plan that will actually improve the setting and facilities at the Cornubia. The plan is set to go before councillors next week at City Hall, and council planning officers are recommending it be approved.
Samantha Hall, whose mum is the landlady of the Cornubia, said the developer BBRE had worked closely with the family and locals to come up with a solution to their concerns.
“As a family, we support this planning application,” she said. “The developer has spent a great deal of time trying to ensure that the scheme works for us as publicans, but also for our loyal and wonderful regular customers.
“The BBRE team has done a number of things that have helped us as publicans. It has ensured that the pub itself doesn’t change; that some existing issues with the building are resolved, including securing planning permission and sharing the cost of a new roof; upgrading the toilets; and providing secure barrel storage within the redevelopment,” she added.
“The BBRE team didn’t shy away from spending time with our locals to hear their concerns – and dealt with the situation very politely, followed through on the commitments they made, and came back to explain the outcomes.
“Currently we have a much-loved, informal garden, which feels like an oasis in a busy city centre. Our customers feel very protective of the garden. Because the historic Long Row needs to be reinstated, that means a pedestrian route will go right through the middle of our garden.
“However, we’ve worked with BBRE’s team to ensure the size of our new garden is as large as possible, that there is no reduction in the numbers of outside seats, that there is a covered area, and that planting and fencing is used to help recreate the intimate feeling of our current garden,” she added.
If councillors approve that the new Canningford House is built, it will provide modern office space for 432 workers – more than twice the number who can currently work there.
The plan is also backed by the Redcliffe and Temple Business Improvement District, which represents more than 400 local businesses.
“We support sustainable developments of existing office stock within the city centre. From a commercial perspective we would class the planned redevelopment of Canningford House as a positive contribution to the Redcliffe and Temple area which would help attract new businesses and retain existing jobs,” a BID spokesperson said.
Councillors will decide on the scheme next Wednesday, October 23.