News / Development
Proposed 28-storey tower would ‘blight Bristol’s landscape’
The architects of a proposed 28-storey tower on the site of the former Debenhams in Bristol city centre claim that it will “provide an uncluttered and aesthetically pleasing contribution to the city’s urban landscape”.
They say that the design “has been tested and refined to provide a high quality appearance and form that provides a pleasant and welcoming street level environment and an engaging and welcoming façade that contributes to mid and long range views”.
And they claim that it is a scheme “that demonstrates design excellence, thorough high quality homes and exemplar architectural contextual response”, adding that they are intent on “improving the arrival experience into the centre from the north and east (and) enhancing Bristol’s skyline”.
is needed now More than ever
A view from Stokes Croft of the proposed tower on the site of the former Debenhams which architects say will “enhance Bristol’s skyline” – image: NPA Visuals
A view from Bristol Bridge of the proposed tower on the site of the former Debenhams which architects say will “enhance Bristol’s skyline” – image: NPA Visuals
A view from Kingsdown of the proposed tower on the site of the former Debenhams which architects say will “enhance Bristol’s skyline” – image: NPA Visuals
A view from John Wesley’s New Room of the proposed tower on the site of the former Debenhams which architects say will “enhance Bristol’s skyline” – image: NPA Visuals
But detractors of the development in Broadmead – known as Barr’s Street after a historic road due to be reinstated – are not as keen on the plans.
“I am appalled by this proposal, which will blight the Bristol landscape,” reads one of the growing number of objections on the city council’s planning portal.
“Please reconsider this terrible project, for the future of Bristol.”
Another objector writes: “Whilst I am pleased to see this site being used and developed, it is completely out of keeping with the existing site and the environment.”
A third objector says: “I thought we had learned the lessons from years gone by about what a blot on the landscape buildings like this are.
“It strikes me as out of proportion to the vast majority of Bristol buildings and I would have thought we are more innovative than this.
“There’s an opportunity to build something really great here that isn’t another high rise carbuncle, but reflects Bristol’s position as an alternative, exciting city…
“The idea that we are headed towards a Canary Wharf skyline is horrifying. We can do much better than that.”
The view today of the former Debenhams overlooking the Bearpit – image: NPA Visuals
“An uncluttered and aesthetically pleasing contribution to Bristol’s urban landscape” – image: NPA Visuals
The development would see the demolition of the former Debenhams and a building to the west of it, and new construction at The Horsefair, The Haymarket and St James Barton.
The architects behind the scheme are AWW, whose recent projects in Bristol include the New Bridewell tower, Brandon Yard overlooking the Floating Harbour and the Leonardo Hotel off Temple Way.
The development will include 502 flats – including 20 per cent affordable housing – as well as new public spaces and new retail units.
Planning documents (search for 23/04490/F) say that the redevelopment of the Debenhams site “offers a number of strategic opportunities for the site, Broadmead and Bristol city centre”.
“The proposals seek to deliver on this aspiration by creating new public space, invigorating the existing streetscape and delivering a significant quantum of housing…
“Principally, the redevelopment seeks to achieve an excellent design for the site that is contextual and that further provides a regenerative effect for Broadmead and St James Barton.
A view from St Paul’s of the proposed tower on the site of the former Debenhams which architects say will “enhance Bristol’s skyline” – image: NPA Visuals
Main image: NPA Visuals
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