News / Development
Height of proposed tower on Debenhams site reduced (just)
The architects behind a scheme which has received dozens of objections have submitted revised plans to the city council.
The height of a proposed 28-storey tower block due to be built on the site of the former Debenhams has been reduced – but only by a few metres due to the removal of an originally planned open rooftop.
Objections to the scheme have focussed on its height, with groups such as the 20th Century Society also believing that the existing building should be “creatively adapted for reuse” rather than be demolished.
is needed now More than ever
The proposed Barr’s Street development would replace Bristol’s former Debenhams – image: AWW
In their revised design & access statement, Baldwin Street-based architects AWW claim that “the introduction of stone to the upper levels creates additional visual interest with the interplay of materials, providing crisp definition to the 3 storey facade grouping reinforcing the primary grid design and enhances the connection to the stone within the context”.
AWW also say that “the articulation of the top (of the tower) has been revised, providing clear definition and balanced proportions across the elevations”.
According to architects AWW, the “tower top (has been) revised to provide clear definition and balanced proportions
across the elevation” – image: AWW
Proposals for the development, known as Barr’s Street, would see more than 500 new flats across several buildings including the “gateway tower”, as well as new public space created at ground level.
AWW add: “The originally submitted façades have depth and articulation, however the revised proposals have increased the depth to the primary horizontal and vertical grid elements to accentuate this articulation further.
“The revised proposal provides greater depth to the facade, stronger vertical emphasis with the fenestration arrangement, revised proportions and clearer definition to the tower top.
“The visual depth of the façades have been further accentuated within the stepped architectural detailing of horizontal stone banding, providing shadow and interplay of light on this material, emphasising the high architectural quality, both in the close proximity and longer distance views.”
The former Debenhams overlooks the Bearpit – photo: Martin Booth
Main image: AWW
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