One of Bristol’s historic trading quarters, much of which has lain derelict for around 25 years, will be transformed into a bustling new neighbourhood with food court, restaurants, hotel, offices and apartments at its heart. It will be complemented by public realm improvements and a new pedestrian street linking St Thomas Street and Redcliff Street.
A planning application, that has now been submitted by developer Change Real Estate to Bristol City Council for Redcliff Quarter, outlines a new, vibrant urban destination, that will contribute 400-500 jobs and an estimated £7million per annum into the local economy once completed.
Change Real Estate acquired the 2.5 acre site, which lies in the heart of the Redcliffe conservation area, between St Thomas Street, Redcliff Street and Three Queens Lane, in 2014. It was previously home to underutilised and decaying post-war industrial units.
The plans reveal a mixed-use scheme that will revitalise this somewhat neglected area of Bristol into a vibrant, new urban destination. At its heart will be an inspiring new food court, cafés and restaurants, that will complement the city’s growing reputation as a centre for food culture.
“We are already in discussion with some exciting food operators, chefs and restaurateurs who are keen to be a part of this development,” comments Change Real Estate Director, Ron Persaud.
The Rezidor Hotel Group has confirmed its commitment to the scheme. It will be bringing its new urban lifestyle hotel – Radisson Red – to Redcliff Quarter. The 185 bed hotel will attract around 70,000 guests a year and will contribute around £5million into the local economy annually. Situated on the corner of St Thomas Street and the development’s new east-west pedestrian street, the hotel will draw people into Redcliff Quarter.
Redcliff Quarter will be a truly mixed-use development, including up to 20,000 sq ft of new office accommodation, together with 300 new apartments.
The £180 million, 600,000 sq ft development is being brought forward as a joint venture between Change Real Estate, Cannon Family Office and ICG Longbow. Change Real Estate was granted unanimous consent in 2015 for phase one of the development on the adjacent site, comprising a mix of retail and residential units.
Redcliff Quarter’s architecture will reflect the artisanal character and industrial heritage of this part of Bristol bringing an urban feel to the public realm.
Roof top and courtyard gardens, balconies and terraces, as well as internal courtyards, will play a large part in the design to create an attractive and interesting streetscape, maximising light and enhancing the unique character of the area.
Redcliff Quarter will provide a welcoming experience for all visitors, residents and those who will work there. The streetscape will be improved with widened pavements creating a pedestrian-friendly environment, reflecting the changing nature of the local traffic flow over recent years; on-street parking bays will be retained, while car parking for the new development will be situated underground, with ample bike storage for both residents and visitors.
Change Real Estate is aiming for the highest environmental performance levels in Redcliff Quarter, targeting BREEAM excellent ratings for the commercial buildings, and the equivalent of Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 for the residential units.
Ron Persaud continues, “Our proposed plans will revive this underutilised area of the city with a vibrant and high quality “18-hour city” development, with its own, unique identity that embraces the character and heritage of the neighbourhood.
“We underwent public consultation before Christmas and have been working closely with the local authority to reach this point; we have listened carefully to what everyone has to say, resulting in the plans we are now submitting.
“Redcliff Quarter will become a new destination in the heart of the city, close to excellent public transport networks and occupying a prime location close to the Harbourside, and Bristol’s business and retail quarters.”
Redcliff Quarter has been designed by award winning architects Lyons Sleaman Hoare, who have particular experience of designing within historic and listed environments. Bilfinger GVA have provided planning advice.
Change Real Estate has a growing reputation for its ability to successfully and sensitively transform sites or buildings that have had a history of failed or troubled development. It is currently renovating part of one of Bristol’s most recognisable Georgian terraces at Redcliffe Parade West.
