News / Soapworks
Developers shelve plans for aparthotel on former Gardiner Haskins site
Developers behind the proposed £175m transformation of a historic Old Market site have scrapped plans to build an aparthotel.
First Base bosses have said they will focus instead on delivering more homes as part of the scheme for the Grade-II listed Soapworks building that was formerly home to Gardiner Haskins.
The revised plans come after Bristol City Council committee members delayed a decision on the proposals to regenerate the existing property and create a 20-storey tower block amid concerns over the number of affordable homes.
Councillors were also uneasy about the flexibility that granting permission would give the developers, who were to have the option of two possible schemes.
First Base is now proposing to build 243 new homes in total – 48 of which will be affordable – and has withdrawn plans for an aparthotel on the site.
First Base have shelved plans for an aparthotel in favour of more homes – image courtesy of First Base
The new development will also include flexible workspace, social spaces and promises to create up to 2,000 jobs for the local economy.
Officers recommended the scheme for approval but concerns have been raised about the demolition of ancillary buildings, with Historic England saying the proposals would “cause considerable harm for Bristol’s heritage”.
Others, including Destination Bristol, have supported the plans. Officers are due to report back to the next committee meeting on April 28.
Lucinda Mitchell, project director at First Base, said: “We have withdrawn our proposals for a hotel, in response to requests by planning committee members, in favour of providing the additional housing and the extra affordable homes desired.
“Supporting Bristol’s inclusive and sustainable recovery, we look forward to bringing the Soapworks back to life, re-opening its doors to the public to once again enjoy this beautiful Bristol building, which will provide a new purpose-built food hall, local independent cafes and shops alongside new flexible workspaces, homes and outdoor public space.”
Main image courtesy of First Base
Read more: Planners defer decision on regeneration of former Gardiner Haskins building
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