Work has started on site for the second phase of construction at Redcliff Quarter, the £250m regeneration project in the heart of Bristol. Set on 3.3 acres of land that lay derelict for over two decades, Redcliff Quarter is set to transform the Redcliffe area of the city with new homes, cafés and restaurants, a hotel, a European style food court, shops and offices.
“With phase one now very close to completion, we have started to bring phase 2 out of the ground,” says Ron Persaud, director of Change Real Estate. The development is being brought forward as a joint venture between Change Real Estate, Cannon Family Office and ICG Longbow.
“Our vision for Redcliff Quarter is for a vibrant and inspirational development, influenced by the character and heritage of this historic area of Bristol. This is an area in great need of investment and care, having lain untouched for many years,” he continues.
The first elements of phase 2 to be seen will be two residential blocks, positioned adjoining the completed new homes within phase1 which were acquired by A2 Dominion, and which are being marketing under their Fabrica brand. The first phase comprises 128 units; phase two will see a further 118 apartments across these two new blocks available for private rent. There will be four restaurants at street level.
The new seven and eight storey blocks will front onto a new pedestrian street, that will run from Redcliff Street across to St Thomas street, lined with restaurants and cafés.
“The new street will be at the heart of Redcliff Quarter,” continues Ron. “It will act as a link between Victoria Street and St Thomas Street with the city centre. We expect it will become a well-used route for those walking to and from Temple Meads from the city centre. Lined with restaurants and cafes at pavement level, the new street is just one of a number of public realm improvements we’ll be implementing.”
The existing streetscape around Redcliff Quarter will see 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.
Redcliff Quarter will include what will become one of Bristol’s tallest residential buildings at 22 storeys, fronting onto the new pedestrian street, a beacon for inner city regeneration.
Ron adds, “We were able to see the long-term potential in this site from day one, to transform a derelict and little used area into a development that will make a positive contribution to Bristol. Situated in the heart of a conservation area we know that we are guardians of a much loved and protected part of the city. We take these responsibilities very seriously and will continue to work closely with the local community throughout the development. We’d like to thank Bristol City Council for their commitment to the scheme, and to the local community for their support.”
Councillor Craig Cheney, Deputy Mayor for Finance and Governance at Bristol City Council, says, “This area of the city was once a thriving space of industrial and economic activity that played a major role in the growth of the trading and industrious city Bristol became known as. This development will help breathe new life into the area, bringing a positive economic contribution to the city and ensure Redcliffe continues to play a role in helping us build a city of hope and aspiration.”
It is estimated that 400-500 jobs will be created and an estimated £7million per annum contributed to the local economy once the development is complete.
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.
Reflecting its industrial heritage, archaeology is ongoing at Redcliff Quarter, and an open day for the local community planned for 15th September, when there’ll be viewings of the dig, and artefacts will be put on display.