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First look at plans to redevelop brownfield site in Bedminster
A new development next to the River Malago in Bedminster could see buildings up to nine storeys tall and include more than 800 student bed spaces.
Plans to redevelop the large brownfield site between Dalby Avenue and Whitehouse Lane have now been submitted to Bristol City Council by developer Sydney Freed (Holdings).
The former Bedminster Smelting Works site is currently occupied by a car park, a car repair business and a car sales business, with the proposals for the mixed-use development also featuring a “new high-quality landscaped setting” running alongside the river and 680sq m of flexible workspace along Whitehouse Lane.
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The car-free scheme includes a new pedestrian and cycle route through the site linking Clarke Street to Whitehouse Lane and improved access to nearby Windmill Hill City Farm.
Developers envisage that new landscaped public spaces, trees and green roofs “will significantly enhance biodiversity and support ecology, transforming the current condition of a site which has often been associated with anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping”.
River Malago and Clarke Street looking towards Windmill Hill City Farm – CGI: AWW Architects
Max Freed of Sydney Freed (Holdings) said: “We have been on a long journey in terms of bringing forward these plans having first started work on the site in 2018.
“In that time, the Bedminster Green Framework has been approved by the council and several new developments are going through the planning process which have the potential to transform the area.
“We have deliberately taken our time with the application in order to engage with the community, stakeholders and council officers to design a high-quality scheme that responds to the aspirations of the Framework, aligns with the proposed river restoration and infrastructure improvement and delivers much-needed accommodation for the student population of Bristol.
Whitehouse Lane looking east – CGI: AWW Architects
Clarke Street looking towards Windmill Hill City Farm’s entrance-CGI: AWW Architects
Freed added: “The economic impact of the new student population can act as a catalyst to the exciting proposals regarding the regeneration of East Street and adding to the vitality of the local community.
“The scheme also provides new employment space on Whitehouse Lane which will suit a range of occupiers and meet the needs of the local business community.”
Nicola Beech, Bristol City Council’s cabinet member for spatial planning & city design, said: “Opening up the River Malago and regenerating this brownfield site has the potential to be a great addition to the area.”
Clarke Street in Bedminster runs adjacent to the River Malago – photo: Martin Booth
The remains of a water control gate off Clarke Street, with the nearby car park on the site of the former Bedminster Smelting Works – photo: Martin Booth
Main image: AWW Architects – Dalby Avenue looking south
Read more: ‘The people of Bedminster have a unique opportunity to shape the future of their neighbourhood’
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