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Bristol development hotspots

Back in October 2017 in his “State of the City” annual address, Mayor Marvin Rees reflected on his first 18-months in office and his future vision for the City of Bristol – an ambitious socio-economic vision focused on driving aspiration, tackling poverty and closing the city’s growing inequality gap

He set out a number of ‘stand-out’ objectives, including securing funding and buy-in for residential growth and for the redevelopment the Western Harbour and Temple Quarter.

By the end of last year these objectives had been given further credence, with the Mayor promoting Bristol as part of the innovation debate, alongside US and Chinese political and business leaders, at the Fortune 500 Forum in Guangzhou.

Western Harbour Regeneration

The Western Harbour regeneration project would replace an “ugly road network” across the Cumberland Basin with housing development. The amount of developable land at this site could be as much as 15-20 ha* , with a reported potential to provide 3,500 homes, plus commercial and leisure space.

This is not an area that is without constraint, most obviously flood risk and the presence of the unwieldy road network (with its associated land-take and visual impact). However - the area also offers opportunities, with around 75% of the land being in the control of Bristol City Council, and with a rich history that lends itself to the creation of place-making, including the incorporation of the grade II Listed bonded warehouses, and grade II* Listed Swing Bridge and Brunel’s South Entrance Lock.

Temple Quarter Regeneration

The Temple Quay Enterprise Area as a whole has grown notably over the years and has attracted big name employers, incubator businesses and pop-up leisure. A focus on new homes (approximately 11,000 dwellings) will strengthen the area as a new district, underpinned by the new university campus. There is also scope for new retail and leisure development around the station.

What next for burgeoning Bristol?

Our view is that ‘new’ models of residential development, including PRS and higher densities, will be needed to deliver the numbers the Mayor anticipates, along with a re-purposing of existing land uses.

The driving force behind these regeneration schemes demonstrates a strong message from the Mayor, but these ideas will need to rapidly see alignment with those of local Members, the Planning Committee and Planning Officers. Whilst the steady creation of new ‘places’ with associated visual and social improvements can mobilise wider investment, the vision set out by the Mayor needs to be underpinned by the in-step progression of local level planning policy if investors are to wholeheartedly commit to enabling the city to grow.

Initial consultation on the Local Plan review has not yet materialised, but there are murmurings of positive change. There are suggestions of further clarity regarding affordable housing provision, purporting to reduce the need for a lengthy viability assessment process. The promise of an ‘Urban Living’ Supplementary Planning Document to provide relevant guidance on delivering higher densities and taller buildings would also be welcome – but if initial reports are to be believed this may not provide enough flexibility to deliver the densities and heights needed in appropriate locations.

Turley in the South West and Wales

Our strengths in the South West and Wales lie in residential development of all kinds, along with extensive experience in retail, business space, hospitality and leisure, ports, education and health.

Our Bristol and Cardiff offices achieved planning permissions and promotions in 2017 totalling more than 170,000 sq m of commercial floorspace and 17,000 dwellings (planning permissions, housing allocations and ongoing promotions). This is a significant boost for the local and regional economy in terms of construction jobs, much needed new homes, retail and leisure expenditure and wider long-term benefits in terms of business rates and council tax revenue.

We anticipate ongoing potential for growth in both the South West and South Wales markets in 2018, particularly in mixed-use regeneration schemes in Bristol and Cardiff. Please get in touch for further information and to find out how we can assist you.

Bristol infographic

*All statistics courtesy of Bristol + Bath (December 2017) “Bristol Development and Inward Investment Hotspots”

15 January 2018