News / Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone
Final countdown for former sorting office
One man’s eyesore is another’s landmark, and as work begins to demolish the former sorting office next to Temple Meads, not everybody will be pleased to see it disappear from Bristol’s skyline.
For some, including mayor Marvin Rees, the Cattle Market Road building cannot be demolished soon enough.
The former sorting office has stood empty for almost 20 years
“I’m pleased that we are making progress towards demolition of this eyesore,” Rees said.
is needed now More than ever
“The derelict sorting office has been a blight on the landscape for many years, creating a poor impression of the city for people arriving by train.”
He added that the University of Bristol’s new enterprise campus due to be built on the site “will transform the appearance of the area and serve as a catalyst for the ongoing regeneration of the Temple Quarter”.
The 1960s brutalist building, however, holds a more sentimental attachment for architect Shankari Raj, the founder of Nudge.
Raj said that the building’s concrete structure should have been retained to create other uses for the city.
Architect Shankari Raj has designed Bristol buildings including the Engine Shed and Old Market Assembly
Raj said: “It has been such a huge part of our landscape for so many years now. Hundreds and hundreds of thousands of people have gone past it. It’s part of Bristol’s heritage, part of our psyche.
“It should fit in with our landscape. It will only become a steel and glass block of a building, without the cultural merit that it deserves which is such a shame.”
Enabling works have now started on the building to prepare for its demolition which could take place as early as the start of summer.
The initial works are expected to last for the next three to four months, including stripping out the building and removing the ramp on the eastern side of the site.
The Cattle Market Tavern was a popular pub for Post Office workers
The derelict Cattle Market Tavern, which has been empty for more than 17 years, is also due to be demolished as it has been found to no longer be structurally sound.
Bristol Wood Recycling Project, who had made their home on land between the pub and the sorting office, have already moved to a new site on nearby William Street in St Philip’s.
Bristol Wood Recycling Project pack up their Cattle Market Road site
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