The demolition of a landmark building within the Broadmead area of Bristol could begin next year. The former Debenhams building, located between the Horsefair and the St James Barton (Bearpit) roundabout, is set to make way for more than 500 new homes.
The city centre site will become several buildings, the tallest being 28 storeys, providing 502 flats. A total of 100 of these will be “affordable”, broken down into 75 for social rent and 25 for shared ownership.
Last week, Bristol Live revealed that an “urban sports centre” was set to be created on the ground floor of the former department store, with the entrance located on the Horsefair. It will include a skate park, roller derby rink and basketball courts designed for three-on-three play.
The premises licence application sought permission for a time-limited period running until January 30, 2028. It created doubt over when the Debenhams building will be demolished.
However, developer 33 Horsefair Ltd has now confirmed that it hopes to start work on the site in “2025 or early 2026”. It also confirmed that the “urban sports centre” will be run by Campus Skateparks.
A spokesperson for the developer said: “We were delighted that Bristol City Council granted us planning permission to transform the existing Debenhams site for more than 500 new homes. We remain committed to delivering these homes and hope to start onsite in 2025 or early 2026.
“In the meantime, we have provided the space to a local charity to use on a temporary basis. The charity, Campus Skateparks, is a not-for-profit organisation that uses the positive energy and influence of skateboarding to engage with children and young people. We’re really pleased the space can be used by Campus until we are ready to start the demolition.”
Campus Skateparks has two sites in and around Bristol. Campus Pool opened at the former Bishopsworth Swimming Pool in 2015, whilst Campus Park is located in Winterbourne.
The new skate park within Debenhams will also include a selection of games including pool and table tennis, and will house a bar and café. The upper levels of the building will remain vacant.
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