News / Development
Developers say their plans will ‘transform eyesore site’
Developers behind plans to build two tower blocks in a prominent city centre location say their proposals will “transform a hostile and rundown site”.
Olympian Homes intend to demolish the existing Premier Inn hotel on the Bearpit roundabout and replace it with accommodation buildings – standing at 28 storeys and 18 storeys respectively – one with 422 student bedrooms and the other comprising 142 co-living spaces.
Of the homes in the co-living block, 26 studio flats would be classed as ‘affordable’.
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Company bosses have spoken out following a Bristol24/7 article reporting some of the concerns about the proposed development on The Haymarket to argue that their plans will transform a current eyesore sight and provide much-needed homes in the city centre.
Bristol Civic Society has raised strong objections to the proposals, saying they will “change the face of the city” and should not be viewed in isolation from plans to redevelop the former Debenhams site just across the road from the Premier Inn.
Bristol City Council officers have recommended the plans be approved, noting concerns about the height of the proposed towers and concentration of student housing, but saying it does also achieve a mix of uses, including the delivery of affordable housing, concluding that the benefits outweigh the harms.
Olympian Homes’ associate director Oliver d’Erlanger said: “Clearly the site needs redeveloping. Everyone knows what a hostile and rundown place this has become. This shouldn’t be what people arriving at – and departing from – Bristol Bus & Coach Station should be welcomed by.
“So, we are proposing to completely transform the whole site, with the ground floor on a single level, and two thirds of the site used for really high-quality and attractive public open space.
“All ground floor spaces within the two buildings will have active frontages, with a café in the centre of the scheme, and residents looking out over all public spaces. It will become a safe and attractive place for everyone, whether they are using the bus station, passing through the site, or living in the two new buildings.
D’Erlanger added: “It’s also a real boost for struggling Broadmead: bringing people to live, work and socialise in the city centre is the best way to regenerate it.
“We’ve worked hard with council officers and other local stakeholders to ensure this mixed-used regeneration provides as many benefits to the city as possible. That, of course, includes 26 affordable homes as well as the huge public realm investment.”
Olympian Homes bosses say their proposals will “transform a hostile and rundown site” – image: Olympian Homes
Olympian’s plans would see the site rebranded St James Square. The plot currently incorporates the Premier Inn and Beefeater restaurant building, which was built in the 1970s and was once home to Avon County Council, Cannon Street car park, as well as a number of small businesses in Haymarket Walk.
Loot vintage store has already vacated the site but other independent businesses, including restaurants Mayflower and Sky Kong Kong, currently remain.
Objecting to plans for this site and the Debenhams plot opposite, Bristol Civic Society said: “In addition to the impact on particular heritage assets, the verified montages also demonstrate that these proposals individually, and cumulatively, change the face of Bristol and in doing so undermine its character for the worse.”
But Olympian bosses say the redevelopment will open up the public realm, with new bus stops and tree planting, and improve views of the Scottish Presbyterian Chapel, which is currently obscured by the Beefeater restaurant.
Bristol City Council officers have recommended the plans be approved despite concerns – image: Olympian Homes
The 1970s Premier Inn tower was once the headquarters of Avon County Council – photo: Martin Booth
The council’s development control committee will consider the plans at a meeting on Wednesday, March 6.
Main image: Olympian Homes
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