Push to develop notorious derelict sites in city centre

Two long-derelict spots in the city centre could finally be brought back into use after decades of abandonment.

The Old Seaman’s Mission Church and a plot of land by the Arnolfini have notoriously been left empty and squalid for years.

Often strewn with litter and overgrown with brambles, both areas in town remain neglected and untouched by development.

Both have been owned by Samuel Smith Brewery, based in Yorkshire, for 30 years, yet calls for the spaces to be regenerated have largely been left unanswered.

Now a Bristol councillor for St George Central has written to the family-owned company to ask about their long-term vision for the site.

Today I wrote to @samsmithsbeer to request action on land they own in Bristol. The heritage at risk at the Old Seamans Mission Church on Prince Street is serious yet, managed well, a great opp to bring this asset to life. Looking forward to hopfully the start of something new. pic.twitter.com/58dr7Ca3yi

— Cllr Nicola Beech (@nicolabeech) August 8, 2022

Labour’s Nicola Beech, also Bristol City Council cabinet member for strategic planning, wrote that two central locations are “absolutely crying out to be brought back to life”.

Writing to Humphrey Smith, chief executive of Samuel Smith Brewery, she said: “We are keen to understand if there is a long-term vision for building on your presence here, bringing back to life a long-underinvested heritage asset and complementing our hospitality scene.

“We understand Samuel Smith’s Brewery is an independent family business. I would like to meet during September so you can share your vision for both these spaces. Bristol centre and its harbour is treasured by Bristolians and the city’s visitors.

“I’m sure we can agree that in their current state, these two sites are absolutely crying out to be brought back to life for the benefit of the city. We are keen to discuss your plans for these spaces and their potential to bring investment, jobs, and a cultural benefit to Bristol.”

The church on Prince Street was partly destroyed in a bombing raid in 1940

The listed Old Seaman’s Mission Church was built around 1880 as an institute with a chapel above and bombed in 1940. Now hidden in plain sight behind a façade, Bristol 24/7 explored Prince Street’s church in June to find its ornate interior just about clinging to life.

Meanwhile on Narrow Quay, a plot of land remains a wasteland behind a metal fence whilst the surrounding harbour continues to be developed.

The site underwent a planning application when Samuel Smith Brewery submitted plans for it to be made into a pub and restaurant but they were withdrawn in 1997.

Beech added: “These locations represent prime development land, and I would therefore like to understand what the barriers to regeneration are, and how we could work together to overcome them.

“Please let me know dates in which you are available to meet in the coming weeks. I look forward to hearing from you.”

Bristol24/7 has contacted Samuel Smith Brewery for comment.

All photos: Martin Booth

Read more: Vision to transform neglected dumping ground into community space

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