Bristol Developments [Archive] - Page 2

Gee31

March 28th, 2007, 03:17 PM

Found this piccie... no details except
"Broadmead Offices, Bristol - currently in design development" by EPR Architects

http://www.bd4jobs.co.uk/Pictures/Web/r/t/y/epr3.jpg

Don't know where or how likely but it looks fantastic!!!

This project has been given Planning permission already and they are starting on site soon, I spoke to the EPR Architect directly and they gave me this info... They are hoping to complete it in conjunction with the rest of broadmead so end of 2008... I am getting information from the Agents dealing with it and as soon as I do I will keep you posted... The agents are CBRE... They are currently picking the Contractors for the build of the project...

Also the project is about 60,000 sq ft in total with each building being around 30,000 sq ft and split over 6 floors so 10,000 sq ft per story...

Its going on the corner (Enterance to the multistory carpark) opposite the House Of Fraser building with the other build slightly up the road connected by a internal Glass bridge...

PJ1979

March 28th, 2007, 03:59 PM

Have they taken over other buildings in the area aswell, like the old job center and the Building next to Fuscia Restraunt???

When are the plans going to be submitted or renderings going to be done?

I posted this link a while back. Its Nelson Street SPD which covers Bridewell Island and other sites along Nelson street such as the Police HQ and the old magistrates Court. Bridewell Island is site one on the map.

http://www.bristol.gov.uk/ccm/content/Environment-Planning/Planning/planning-policy-documents/new-policy-docs/spd8-nelson-street-.en;jsessionid=B2D7289E6C6F49E694616DFDB54D5A16

http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/9318/nelsonstreetplan1qw1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

All the other sites have detailed planning policy set out in the SPD. Rumour is that one of the new broadmead office buildings we have all been discussing, will be taken by Avon and Somerset police department for some of there back office facilities. When this and the new magistrates court are finished then it should free up buildings 4 and 2 on the map. The SPD wants to see these demolished and new schemes on them. This illustration is indicative and does not represent any current proposal.

http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/8443/nelsonstreetillustrationy8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The SPD contains lots more detail on the policy framework but I've not heard anything concrete about other proposals. Its still early days but is great news that Urban Splash have taken Bridewell Island. This is one of the most difficult development sites in the city and i'm confident that they will do a great job, this news will also probably spur other developers to move forward with other sites in Nelson Street as they become available.

PJ1979

March 28th, 2007, 04:10 PM

This project has been given Planning permission already and they are starting on site soon, I spoke to the EPR Architect directly and they gave me this info... They are hoping to complete it in conjunction with the rest of broadmead so end of 2008... I am getting information from the Agents dealing with it and as soon as I do I will keep you posted... The agents are CBRE... They are currently picking the Contractors for the build of the project...

Also the project is about 60,000 sq ft in total with each building being around 30,000 sq ft and split over 6 floors so 10,000 sq ft per story...

Its going on the corner (Enterance to the multistory carpark) opposite the House Of Fraser building with the other build slightly up the road connected by a internal Glass bridge...

Thanks for the info. From what you said the EPR Office Buildings are these two on Newfoundland Street/M32
http://img484.imageshack.us/img484/3956/erpbuildingsuj2.gif (http://imageshack.us)

PJ1979

March 28th, 2007, 06:06 PM

Try to take smaller projects aswell as large projects... Every corner of bristol is being transformed and it would be nice to see some of the lesser known about projects aswell...

Theres a massive project going on on Gloucester road (the old audi VW garage near the kwik fit)... any news???

also some of the projects out of side of Central Bristol if possible...

Thanks

These are a few images of the VW garage development on Gloucester Road.
http://img460.imageshack.us/img460/369/vwgloucesterrd1kp8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
This is the Bath Buildings frontage
http://img460.imageshack.us/img460/9820/vwgloucesterrdcl5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Cheltenham Road Frontage
http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/5269/vwgloucesterrd2dp3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img460.imageshack.us/img460/8849/vwgloucesterrd3pu4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Apologises there a bit small can't seem to make them any bigger.

Pickle33

March 29th, 2007, 10:02 AM

The SPD contains lots more detail on the policy framework but I've not heard anything concrete about other proposals. Its still early days but is great news that Urban Splash have taken Bridewell Island. This is one of the most difficult development sites in the city and i'm confident that they will do a great job, this news will also probably spur other developers to move forward with other sites in Nelson Street as they become available.

I despair at the horrific roof extension that has been put on those flats (that never sold) next to the sun alliance offices on quay street...I think it was a conversted office building. It doesn't even pretend to match the rest of the building and is a total blot on the landscape on the Centre...which is dying on its feet anyway.

I hope they can do something with the other sh1te converstion the Council allowed for the student flats, incorporating Fushia. Half that building is just a gaping hole where presumably a shop should be. That is a prime candidate for replacement if this urban spash scheme gets going.

I see on the Council's website that the cheese warehouse on the harbourside is finally in for planning. There's also an application in for Aardmans new HQ building on Spike Island.

PJ1979

March 29th, 2007, 10:35 AM

I despair at the horrific roof extension that has been put on those flats (that never sold) next to the sun alliance offices on quay street...I think it was a conversted office building. It doesn't even pretend to match the rest of the building and is a total blot on the landscape on the Centre...which is dying on its feet anyway.

I hope they can do something with the other sh1te converstion the Council allowed for the student flats, incorporating Fushia. Half that building is just a gaping hole where presumably a shop should be. That is a prime candidate for replacement if this urban spash scheme gets going.

I see on the Council's website that the cheese warehouse on the harbourside is finally in for planning. There's also an application in for Aardmans new HQ building on Spike Island.

Yeah I saw that ridiulous extension the other day as I walked down Small Street, its really random and doesn't relate to the existing building at all. The problem is that site is really visable from many directions and hardly provides an exciting entrance to Quay Street/Nelson Street!

The worst thing with that Fuschia site is they don't want to knock it down! If they did they could development all the way from Bridewell Isalnd to the (Sun Alliance) Electricity House building on the centre. This would be another major development and transform this part of the city.

What I really want to see is the integration of Nelson Street with Broadmead and the rest of the old city. I'm particularly interested in what they do with Tower lane and the Pithay. I think its really important that new development in Nelson Street links back to the Old City better and I particularly like the thought of defining the extent of the 12th century city and the old city gates like St John's Gate. Making these routes more friendly, overlooked and allowing easy access between Corn St, St Nicks and St Mary Le Port when it happens.

PJ1979

March 30th, 2007, 06:08 PM

Dear all. I wandered about with my camera and these are the results.
Finzels Reach is on site and you can already see the change
http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/969/dscf1458hy3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Temple Back from St Philips Bridge
http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/2281/dscf1462xm7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Civic Justice Centre from St Thomas Lane/Seven Stars
http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/7092/dscf1489vw6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Colston Hall from Trenchard Street Car park
http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/9827/dscf1480ta8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Broadquay development from the centre/fountains
http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/3671/dscf1484cb6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Unity Street Apartments in the Old Merchant Venturers college.
http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/6402/dscf1482ce9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://unitystreet.appliedworks.co.uk/
The website has some better photos, more details and a
3D flythrough. I like this development.

Apollo Apartments under construction on Baldwin Street
http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/4733/dscf1487jj5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The final images are some of Broadmead from castle park and the Broadmead car park
http://img452.imageshack.us/img452/3820/dscf1465rk5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img452.imageshack.us/img452/3584/dscf1466uv3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/6285/dscf1468wn1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img452.imageshack.us/img452/2549/dscf1467lt5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/8642/dscf1471xx5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/4135/dscf1473rw7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Gee31

April 3rd, 2007, 01:59 AM

Does anybody know of any other websites that are updated frequently regarding projects in Bristol??? Any other forums??? etc...

Thanks

jjmacjj

April 4th, 2007, 04:29 AM

nice job PJ...

I can't believe some of these things have finally started!!! i used to contract at the Clerical Medical building and both Finzells reach & temple back have been sat waiting to go for years now.... I used to walk by every day with my Barista's coffee (great coffee shop btw) & expect to see construction workers arriving but it just never happened...

frustratingly Broad quay hasn't moved one bit since i was last in bristol & that thing on baldwin street is a disgrace!!!

Agreed on the unity street flats... it's an amazing development - had a look at one of the apartments in phase 1, overlooking college green, it was stunning!! Theres going to be a top end restaurant on the ground floor when this is done - hopefully something good enough to finally replace Harvey's

As for broadmead..... WOW......

I'd love to see how Temple Quay 2 & harbourside are progressing as well if you get a chance sometime....

Gee - have you looked at http://www.cityoffices.net/uk/bristol/index.cfm - you need to pay for a subscription to get the detail & it is usually less up-to-date than this blog but the titles can sometimes inspire fruitful google searches....

Pickle33

April 4th, 2007, 09:14 AM

Work has started on 32-33 Victoria Street (opposite Finzells reach...just up from the Cornubia Pub). Diggers are on site ripping up the hardstanding at the back of the buioldings in preparation for their demolition. :cheers: Looks like this corner of the City Centre is white hot with new development.

Gee31

April 4th, 2007, 01:29 PM

Pickle33

April 4th, 2007, 02:38 PM

Any ideas whats going there??? All this construction is mind boggling...

Its actually 32-36 Victoria Street. Can't find any snazzy images, but here is the link to the planning application which contains elevations of the 6 storey office development:

http://www.bristol.gov.uk/item/committeecontent.html?ref=wa&code=wa001&year=2005&month=10&day=26&hour=14&minute=00

PJ1979

April 4th, 2007, 02:38 PM

The 32-36 Victoria Street development will provide approximately 7,076 sq m (76,165 sq ft) of speculative office space and a ground floor retail unit on the Victoria street frontage. I'm not sure if i've posted these already.

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/281/3236victoriastreet3fw0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/6987/3232victoriast1bi7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

This is one I took the other day. As Pickle says, they have started on site.

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/8232/dscf1457wc7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

A short while ago Pickle mentioned about a poor roof extension to an old building on on the corner of Quay Street and Small Street. The image below is the offending extension taken from the top of small street. The contrast of grey and orange works seamlessly!

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/9523/dscf1477rv2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

PJ1979

April 4th, 2007, 02:51 PM

Thanks jjmacjj, I work near temple Quay 2 and so far not much is happening, but i'll wander over soon and take a few pictures of that and the old IBM/bread street soap works.

There are a few of the other photos I took on my way round. The first is Portwall lane taken from St Thomas Street near Dynasty restaurant. I didn't realise how big this development was. I will have to go and take a closer look soon.

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/6008/dscf1492pf4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The next one is Hartwell House taken from the same location. Not much to see really but is coming along nicely under the wraps.

http://img463.imageshack.us/img463/8213/dscf1491vv9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The Final one is the Fire Station site. With the Finzels, Temple back and 32-36 Vic this can only be a matter of time!

http://img465.imageshack.us/img465/5121/dscf1493ep0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

jjmacjj

April 5th, 2007, 11:27 AM

I'm sure most of you have seen this article.... I've added some pics of the 2 new harbourside offices culled from the stride treglown website - i presume that these are the ones being considered?? anyone able to confirm? (they're pretty much identical...)

From the toast:

The next phase of the Harbourside regeneration project at Canons Marsh is being scrutinised by councillors today.

Hundreds of new flats, shops, cafes, bars, public spaces and a hotel are planned for the area off Anchor Road, which is due to be finished next year.

Much of the site is already complete but the next phase is due to cover buildings which face on to Anchor Road.

Developer Crest Nicholson is asking councillors for permission to modify planning permission which has already been granted.

The changes refer to various alterations to how the buildings will be used and laid out.

Council officers have recommended that members approve the changes subject to the developers agreeing to pay £150,000 for works on College Square, which is part of the scheme.

The proposals for the five buildings to be examined at today's committee meeting show the total building floorspace in this phase would be 30 per cent larger than originally planned.

One of the buildings, formerly known as Building 3, will now be split into two.

Building 3a will remain as offices, as in the original brief, but 3b will now be a six-storey block of 48 one- and two-bedroom flats, with a basement car park with 19 spaces.

Other changes to the plans include increased car parking, as well as changes to the permitted land uses, and increasing the approved total of residential, retail and office floor space.

Buildings 5 and 6, which will mix office use with educational facilities and food and drink providers, sit on Anchor Road close to the existing @Bristol buildings.

Building 6

http://www.stridetreglown.co.uk/Architecture/images/offices/harbourside6-1.jpg

http://www.stridetreglown.co.uk/Architecture/images/offices/harbourside6-2.jpg

& building 5

http://www.stridetreglown.co.uk/Architecture/images/offices/harbourside5-1.jpg
http://www.stridetreglown.co.uk/Architecture/images/offices/harbourside5-2.jpg

Building 3A, which is set to be offices, will sit the other side of Canons Way from Building 5, flanking the entrance for cars to the Harbourside site.

Building 7 will be behind Building 5, next to the new Ibis Hotel, and will be made up of homes, although the total number is not specified.

The proposals do however say the building will contain 49 "affordable" homes which may involve shared ownership deals. Retail units have also been proposed for Building 7.

The number of parking spaces in this phase has increased from 121 in the original masterplan to 145 now.

In March, Bristol Civic Society said much of what was set out in the original masterplan, drawn up in 2000, had been gradually chiselled away.

Chairman John Payne said: "There has been an awful lot of back-tracking from the agreed masterplan which has resulted in this increase in floor space - probably more floor space than the area can reasonably sustain. These changes discredit the whole master planning process."

But only three letters of objection have been received by the council over the application.

They raised concerns over building height, views of Bristol Cathedral being obscured, a lack of car parking and a potential increase in vandalism and theft.

The latest stage will be the third of four in the building process.

Phase one saw the development of a 108-room hotel, housing, leisure facilities and offices. This stage of the development was granted permission to expand by 36 per cent, on top of the initial agreement.

Phase two included 272 self-contained flats and commercial units - which increased the floor space by 28 per cent.

Gee31

April 5th, 2007, 11:45 AM

PJ1979

April 5th, 2007, 11:57 AM

I had a look at the application on line and these are the buildings being considered. There are two applications. the links are below:

http://e2eweb.bristol-city.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=J6KC38DNLM000

http://http://e2eweb.bristol-city.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=IOM3NTDNGC000

I can't say i'm really wowed by harbourside, i'm trying to keep an open mind as its not finished yet and some of the more interesting elements are yet to be built.

As a side issue, I met the Lead artist responsible for the public art strategy for harbourside the other month.
Two of the buildings under consideration form College Square on Anchor Road. This will have a very small fountain installed into the paving called the shy fountain. Apparently when people approach the fountain it reduces the height of its water spout.

Delirium

April 8th, 2007, 04:49 AM

Gee31

April 10th, 2007, 11:25 AM

Not too sure if anyone mentioned it before but does anyone have info on this new building that popped up about a year or two ago right by the M32 sliproad off junction 1 or 2 (can't remember...), going north near where it leads off into st werburghs/st.pauls. Its a curved shape building and is only about two stories at most and is a series of brown colours.

I just wondered as i was curious as to who were the developers etc. etc.

cheers.

Its a IT Center... Thats all I know... They are doing alot of building along the M32 soon including the "One Dove Lane" Project... Theres more diggers etc working away on I dont know what along there so any info would be welcomed...

Also does anyone know about this New Aircraft Museam they are building in cribs??? I took the following out of the evening post:

"Charlie Fox was built in Belfast, as were a number of the planes, and it had been hoped it would eventually move into a new museum planned at Filton.

The £12 million centre, next to the Hollywood Bowl and multi-screen cinema at Cribbs Causeway, is set to become home to Concorde 216. But it is not expected initially to be able to accommodate other aircraft and artefacts from the city's history of production belonging to the Bristol Aero Collection, the organisation which looks after Concorde 216."

Anybody know about the plans, location, architects etc etc???

Gee31

April 10th, 2007, 11:54 PM

Taken from The Evening Post (10/04/07):

Council planners should be doing more to encourage developers to build tall buildings in Bristol, claims a prominent Clifton architect.Graham Stephens, director of architectural practice Stride Treglown, was speaking after the Evening Post reported on a planning row over plans for a central Bristol post office tower.

In 1967 it was announced that a 305ft-high post office tower, just off historic King Street, could be built without the council's permission.

At that time, the two highest buildings in the city were the controversial Robinson building in Redcliffe, at 196ft, and the Bristol and West building on the Centre, at 189ft.

Councillors at the time dug their heels in, despite impassioned pleas by Councillor Mather Bell that a tall building would "get away from the bulkiness which tends to dominate this particular area".

By 1972, two separate applications had failed and the idea of a post office skyscraper was shelved, seemingly for good.

Mr Stephens said: "Have we moved that far away from the concept of bulkiness referred to so many years ago with modern-day city council planning guidance that defines tall buildings as those greater than just 27 metres - approximately seven storeys in height?

"If the city is to look forward, as it did in the 1960s, do we not want to see quality landmark buildings that represent a thriving city culture rather than a plethora of buildings limited to just four or six storeys the mainstay of large central areas?

"Bristol City Council is clearly taking a cautious view of tall buildings.

"It seems to take the view that large parts of Bristol are not suitable for tall buildings.

"There is increasing pressure for hotel and residential space in the heart of the city centre, so why not build high-rise buildings?

"The tall building debate should surely concentrate on how planning legislation can start to deal with a sea change in public perception since the ignominious end of the last wave of tall buildings in the 1960s and 1970s.

"Broken lifts, abuse and vandalising of communal areas and poor quality construction, materials and finishes are a thing of the past - we are not in the same social or economic position.

"There are now good opportunities of mixed-use buildings which rise into the sky.

"The council's stance on such matters needs to be thoroughly challenged to bring it up to date."

In 2005, the council adopted an official tall buildings policy, designed in response to the growth of the city's urban regeneration programme and positive investment in commercial property areas such as Broadmead, Temple Quay and Harbourside.

Consultation revealed support for the new tall buildings in Bristol so long as they are well designed, sustainable, distinctive and located to "fit" into the existing urban landscape.

Speaking at the time Councillor Richard Pyle, then Bristol's executive member for the environment, transport and leisure, said: "Clear and consistent guidance on the design and location of tall buildings in our city is to be welcomed. This has been a very successful project in terms of generating public debate about tall buildings."

Delirium

April 11th, 2007, 07:15 AM

Its a IT Center... Thats all I know... They are doing alot of building along the M32 soon including the "One Dove Lane" Project... Theres more diggers etc working away on I dont know what along there so any info would be welcomed...

Also does anyone know about this New Aircraft Museam they are building in cribs??? I took the following out of the evening post:

"Charlie Fox was built in Belfast, as were a number of the planes, and it had been hoped it would eventually move into a new museum planned at Filton.

The £12 million centre, next to the Hollywood Bowl and multi-screen cinema at Cribbs Causeway, is set to become home to Concorde 216. But it is not expected initially to be able to accommodate other aircraft and artefacts from the city's history of production belonging to the Bristol Aero Collection, the organisation which looks after Concorde 216."

Anybody know about the plans, location, architects etc etc???

Ahh i see thats what it is,

As for the museum youknow about as much as i know, but from what i've heard ages ago when the museum was still just a possibility the site that you mentioned was said to have most likely to be sited in between the mall and the airfield if it was to be built at all .(which has now been confirmed i guess...).

i just hope it doesn't look too generic looking or just looking like any old airhangar (but then again that could look quite good).

Schmeek

April 12th, 2007, 08:34 PM

jjmacjj

April 12th, 2007, 11:17 PM

^^

Good point well made sir....

jjmacjj

April 13th, 2007, 12:42 AM

Delirium

April 13th, 2007, 01:21 AM

I find it really iritating that people seem to live so blindly. Do they not realise that the old historic buildings in Bristol were themselves built in different eras and this is now our era. We need to celebrate the 21st century and leave a few quality landmarks few those in the future to admire. Time does not stand still; those who oppose quality tall buildings are the same people who probably stood against the cabot tower, wills memorial, St mary redcliffe etc. The sooner they wake up and smell the nescafe the better.

I think another problem is that the city seems to have trouble selling itself very well by comparison, nor do i think is there a Proper goal/master plan that the city is working for, (perhaps excluding Broadmead which in itself from what i've heard is sort of hoping that it will act as a catalyst for central Bristol.)but is rather patchy/ haphazard (sort of like a microcosm of the history of Bristol itself)
I mean we don't/didn't have it nealy as bad as some other cities have had it (e.g liverpool, Birmingham etc.)

positives

- Extensive dense mixed socio/economic (some very affluent)inner suburbs that are meged with better with the centre than other British cities (clifton and several other neighbourhoods all feel just as central as say the area just outside the Hippodrome)
-Centre is more fractured/spread out.
-Location. London, the midlands, Wales and the west country are at the most 3 hours away.
-large brownfield sites to the east of the centre possible for development in the future.
-the city seems more/very adapt for outdoor living.
-The suspension bridge.

Negatives

- Extensive dense mixed socio/economic (some very affluent)inner suburbs that are meged with better with the centre than other British cities
this can give the impression to first time visitors that Bristol is lacking in restaurants etc. but this isn't the case rather there are more places in which they could go.
-Centre is more fractured/spread out than other cities
-very poor transport quality (expensive too)

Neutral

depending on what route you take into Bristol depends on what you make of it. Any route that involves going through North bristol (west or east) and the city seems significantly big, but drive through the south and south westerly Bristol and it can come across as a complete dump or rather cosy (the suspension bridge route)

but yeah just a thought.

Gee31

April 13th, 2007, 01:12 PM

Theres a reserved matters application in for a new 6 floor 'Future Inn' hotel for broadmead - the other side of bond street next to the student flats..... Architects are AWW but theres no pics yet on their website.

App number is 07/01346/M

Full app details -

http://e2edocs.bristol-city.gov.uk/WAM/findCaseFile.do?appName=planning&appNumber=07/01346/M

best pic available here

http://e2edocs.bristol-city.gov.uk/WAM/doc/Drawing-188803.pdf?extension=.pdf&wmTransparency=0&id=188803&wmLocation=0&location=VOLUME1&contentType=application%2Fpdf&wmName=&pageCount=1

I think not having taller buildings in Bristol are partly the Architects fault... If they would keep proposing tall buildings then we probably get some approved... They cant keep knocking back everything and also the architects dont stand strong... They just do as they are told... Architects in other citys are not so sub-dued...

That looks like a good project just should be taller... Especially where it is going to be built... Plus its said that Bristol as a city needs an extra 500% (Or somthing silly like that) extra hotel rooms if they are going to deal with the demand within the next 5 Years... Hmmm, why are AWW not proposing a bigger/higher building???

Gee31

April 13th, 2007, 01:14 PM

Schmeek

April 15th, 2007, 07:19 PM

Lets just hope the new broadmead tower turns out to be an attractive looking piece (I'm not completely convinced by the[few] renders I have seen).
It might just turn some councillors' heads and act as a catalyst. But then I doubt it...

Something has to change soon or we'l be living in a legoland of 6 story bricka brak.:bash:

Delirium

April 15th, 2007, 08:10 PM

On a slightly unrelated note lets remind ourselves of this....

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w139/aubertonic/P1010077.jpg

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w139/aubertonic/P1010080.jpg

...Its now a big hole.

Schmeek

April 15th, 2007, 08:37 PM

Delirium

April 15th, 2007, 10:39 PM

Gee31

April 16th, 2007, 04:45 AM

God yeah!
Amazing how quickly it changes/you forget. Completely forgot about that bridge as well. Was wondering why there was a hole on the side of castlemead all this time; couldn't place what used to be connected there.
Does anyone know when they're gonna tear down former IBM, or the Clerical medical buildings?

The IBM Building which is going to start in about 2 months and should be completed in less than 14 months according to the constructors but then again its only a load on steel RSJ's with masses amounts of glass so they could be right... The project thats going there is going to be called Glassfields and is designed by AWW...

The clerical medical building could be a Highrise Towers (Lets hope anyways)... The site is being designed at the moment and should have plans into the council by 6 months time... There was talk about 50 Story buildings (Yes that right BUILDINGS) Our very own twin towers... But im sure the (STUPID) council will reduce them down to about 3 stories... Just Like Project 360...

jjmacjj

April 16th, 2007, 09:08 AM

The clerical medical building could be a Highrise Towers (Lets hope anyways)... The site is being designed at the moment and should have plans into the council by 6 months time... There was talk about 50 Story buildings (Yes that right BUILDINGS) Our very own twin towers...

Spill the beans Gee old son...... how d'ya find out about this little chestnut???

jjmacjj

April 16th, 2007, 09:27 AM

In fact, the last I heard on the redevelopment is from the Carlyle Skelton website (the owners) is in the article below...... Key comments are that the square footage is nearly doubling (110000sq ft up to 200000sq ft) & that 9 floors are planned....

July 25, 2006
#2006-087
Carlyle Skelton Acquires Bristol Redevelopment Opportunity from Resthaven Properties Limited, Part of Topland for £21.3 million

London - Carlyle Skelton Development Group (“CSDG”), the £750m joint venture between The Carlyle Group (“Carlyle”) and Skelton Development, today announces that it has exchanged contracts to acquire an 110,000 sq ft office building in Bristol for £21.3 million. Carlyle Skelton acquired the building from Resthaven Properties Limited, which is part of the Topland Group.

Located between the Temple Meads Railway station and the Broadmead Shopping Centre, the 1970’s office block occupies a substantial 1.2 acre site in the heart of Bristol’s prime office district.

Known as Temple Way House, the office block is currently occupied by Clerical Medical, although the insurer is relocating shortly to a nearby Topland development at Harbourside.

Once vacant, CSDG intends to redevelop the existing building to create a 200,000 sq ft modern Grade A office space over nine floors with parking for 120 cars. Work on the development could get underway as early as next spring, once planning consent has been secured.

They may well have decided to rethink these plans cos of the well publicised shortage in grade A office space in Bristol but I think 50 floors is probably pie in the sky... mind you, anything over 15 would make a big difference.... as i understood it, the council would consider greater massing on the riverfront as long as it dropped off towards the Pip & Jay church .....

Gee31

April 16th, 2007, 11:00 AM

PJ1979

April 16th, 2007, 02:44 PM

On the Clerical Medical building, this is what I have heard.

My colleague spoke to someone at Carlyle Skelton and he said they were hoping to be on site in October and were currently putting together an application.

Their web site says that CSDG exchanged contracts to buy the existing 109,000 sf net office building, situated in a prime location in Bristol. It has also acquired the adjoining freehold office building of 15,000 sf net. We are in the process of preparing proposals for an attractive new build retail and office scheme of more than 230,000 sf net, with generous on site parking. High environmental standards will be achieved.

I know someone who works for HBOS in the Clerical Medical building and provisionally they are due to move out in the Summer, probably August but it is all dependant on resolving the air conditioning problem in their new harbourside office.

Maybe Carlyle Skelton are being optimistic on the timescale but given the size of the proposal it should be twice as big as the current building.

Schmeek

April 16th, 2007, 07:27 PM

Gee31

April 17th, 2007, 01:30 AM

Yes I quite like the look of the Glassfields project. Smart. And I remember reading somewhere (council/evening post) that the new clerical building will be much bigger jjmacjj said earlier a tower feature at the river end to 'punctuate' (I think was the word) the floating harbour, with the building falling away towards the other end to respect the church.
Two 15 storey resi's in T.Quay2? Must have missed that one. Where? more info pls.

The pic below is one of the towers going on the Temple Quay 2 site, Its 13 stories at the moment but I think the developers (Castlemead) want to take them up to about 18 (Same as the senario over at the Harbour Side, Developers are just get planning permission and then subbmitting new bigger plans once they are on site...its harder to say "no" from the councils point)... Theres another 2 of these towers further along the river (Look at the second pic, its a plan of TQ2 and the Blue towers are at the rear of the development on the river) I think and also they are building a new Bridge (Also Pictured Below) along with it to take away some of the Human Traffic from the Valentine Bridge as the amount of people there is easily going to grow 5 Fold!!!

http://www.templequay2.com/images/3.jpg http://www.castlemore.co.uk/manage/images/development/templequay2.jpg

http://www.templequay2.com/images/topLeft.jpg

PJ1979

April 17th, 2007, 01:08 PM

Gee, I'm not sure that the Temple Quay masterplan with the three towers on the harbour front will be implemented. I think it has been changed and now there will be only one tower, the one shown in the other image.

Schmeek

April 17th, 2007, 10:43 PM

Yeah, I remember that plan from years back with the three blue towers. I think they scrapped it, as PJ said. What is happening with that plot on other side of river next to the bridge and temple q2? It seems it has been there for donkeys years, which is strange cos it is final piece of jigsaw 4 that side.

On another note, I noticed the bristol Allliance have updated their monthly programme and it seems the resi block will top out end of may.

PJ1979

April 18th, 2007, 01:50 PM

I spoke to a guy from the SWRDA the other week about things in general in the Temple Meads area. I asked him the following questions and got these responses.

What is the proposed timescale for the Bristol Arena planning application or public consultation? "Commercial negotiations are ongoing between the RDA, the council and the developer aimed at agreeing funding arrangements. Once this is achieved, the second phase of public consultation will be undertaken".
I'm aware that Urban initiatives were commissioned to produce a Temple meads Development Framework, is this available? "There is a draft study, which is currently being finalised. This will not become an SPD, but used by the landowners and the council to inform the preparation of development proposals".
What are the RDA plans for the remaining site in Temple Quay? (referred to by Schmeek) "This will be brought forward for office and residential use later this year".
What are the plans for the island site? "The council are working with the landowners to bring this site forward"
What are the plans for the car park north of Temple Meads/the commonwealth museum? "The RDA and Network rail will be bringing this development opportunity to the market this autumn"
Is there any information available regarding the improvements to Temple Meads planned by yourselves and Network Rail? "Network Rail are in the process of appointing consultants to prepare plans for the station improvements"

All the responses were a bit tight lipped but hopefully indicates that we might see some action of sorts later in the year. Its a bit typical of the RDA, why do something today when you can put it off six months!

Schmeek

April 18th, 2007, 06:23 PM

A bit tight lipped is an understatement. But good effort anyway. As you say we might get a bit of action in these areas later in the year...

jjmacjj

April 19th, 2007, 12:55 AM

yeah, good work PJ despite the Stalinist approach of the RDA. The SWRDA is just a bunch of clowns really; no more dynamic than Bristol City Council..... They seem to have a 20 year timeline on all activities that they are involved in... convenient really cos it secures their jobs right through to retirement!! I can't imagine what work they find for themselves to do on a daily basis..... all they had to do was come up with a framework, agree it with stakeholders, flog it as hard as possible to suitable investors and enforce the framework through construction: they've been going 10 years and the only completed project in bristol is the bloody spine road & the abomination that is avon meads........ Temple quay should be pretty good but it has always felt unfinished and unconnected... the bit of land Schmeek refers to & the laughable connection to Temple Meads station (both unchanged since completion years ago) are testament to the failures of the SWRDA to deliver on it's own criteria...........

Gee31

April 19th, 2007, 11:44 PM

dronkula

April 20th, 2007, 10:22 AM

Anyway - time for an update from the City Centre webcams

This time last year, this site was just a dual carriageway.
http://webcams.bristolcitycentre.com/camera407-04-20_08-00-02-57.jpg

And the new '2nd tallest' tower is Bristol has reached it's top and now they've started the cladding.
http://webcams.bristolcitycentre.com/camera307-04-20_08-00-02-68.jpg

Schmeek

April 22nd, 2007, 11:29 PM

Don't think the tower has topped out yet though. U can still see the core.should b end of may. Nice 2 see the cladding going up.

I was driving through past the old B&W hq tower and they have a couple of t cranes (which you already know anyway), but I also think I caught a glimpse of concrete girders to the left hand side at ground level. Can anyone verify?

Pickle33

April 23rd, 2007, 09:23 AM

Yup. the ground floor concrete frame is poking up above the hoardings now. There are some large boxes being placed on top of the tower....I think they could be the tower glazing panels being stored there!?

Gee31

April 23rd, 2007, 12:00 PM

Don't think the tower has topped out yet though. U can still see the core.should b end of may. Nice 2 see the cladding going up.

Yeah I think the tower still needs to go up a few floors before its at the Top...

Gee31

April 23rd, 2007, 12:06 PM

Nobody really talks about some pretty big projects that are going on in Bristol unless they are in the Central Bristol Area... Lets broaden our horizons people...

Even Old Market is getting built like mad but no talk...

Theres massive projects going on right up Church Road (Showcase Bus route has been a catalyst for new Builds etc) and in North Bristol (Where I live) theres loads of projects, Big and Small... I dont ever go to South Or West Bristol much but im sure theres some pretty big things happening...

Lets Find Out!!!

jjmacjj

April 23rd, 2007, 01:00 PM

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Redcliffe Wharf
Redcliffe Way
Bristol
BS1 6SR

07/01678/F

Change of use to D2 Leisure Use for a temporary urban beach, including the construction of a sand beach, raised decking, hoardings and various buildings and works associated with the construction of food outlets, bar, stage, beach look-out tower, toilets and waste/recycling facilities. New car park layout and temporary placement of wind turbine.

http://e2edocs.bristol-city.gov.uk/WAM/findCaseFile.do?appName=planning&appNumber=07/01678/F

jjmacjj

April 23rd, 2007, 01:06 PM

and Aardman animations have had their new HQ approved on Spike Island.

3 storry offices i think but secures the future of a quality bristol company....

Schmeek

April 23rd, 2007, 01:06 PM

Well there's plenty of smallish projects in south bristol. The old megabowl being one of them; went past it the other day and it's all boarded up and just about to be bulldozed by the look of it. I think it's gonna be more flats/apartments.

Sorry, but back to the centre! Dont know if it has already been mentioned (apologies if it has), but I never noticed it before; above the building on the corner of nelson st and quay st. there's some strange roof extension. It looks quite odd - as if it's just perched up there - but i quite like it!

Also does anyone know what they are doing with the building with all the flats down from the new macdonald holland hotel? It's covered in scaffold. Is it just a re-paint/ re-furb?

jjmacjj

April 23rd, 2007, 01:38 PM

Biggie for EAST BRISTOL; Science Park £300m (1st phase £200m) SPark is a partnership between the South West RDA and three Universities - the University of Bristol, University of Bath and the University of the West of England - which will build on the first class existing research and knowledge base in the area.

The Agency owns 22 hectares of land between the M4 and the Avon ring road at Emerson's Green on Bristol's North fringe. This was bought to help deliver the first phase of a new science and technology park comparable in size and scope to the best in the UK such as Cambridge, Oxford and Warwick. Planning consent has been granted for creating a total of 77000 sq m of space that will be used for science and technology.

SPark is expected to create around 6,000 highly skilled jobs, with demand for the park coming from established key sectors in the region, including aerospace and defence, digital technologies and biotechnology.

Subject to detailed planning permission being granted, construction work is expected to start on site in spring/summer 2007 with the first buildings available for occupation in spring 2008.

http://www.southwestrda.org.uk/additional/news/article-images/bristol-science-park.jpg

SOUTH BRISTOL:
Lake Shore Apartments
Bristol
for Urban Splash
Completion 2006
"A remarkable fusion of architecture and nature to create one of the most dramatic urban transformations of recent years. It will give a great lift to the neighbouring areas." George Ferguson PPRIBA

The scheme comprises a total of 334 one and two bedroom apartments, 24 live/work units and approximately 20,000Sqft flexible office space arranged over 7 storeys in two buildings. Contract value is approximately 35million and procurement route is by construction management.

This is gonna be ace - the pic doesn't do it justice so take a look at the Urban Splash website..

http://www.architecturecentre.co.uk/exhibitions/images/lakeshore.JPG

NORTH BRISTOL:
I thought there was a load of stuff being built around Rolls Royce & BAE in Filton??? And Hewlett Packard & University of West England are chucking up tons of stuff on their respective campus' I think... no pics though

jjmacjj

April 23rd, 2007, 01:45 PM

and from BD online, confirmation of some very good news for the city.... Looking forward to seeing the proposals!!!

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/Pictures/468xAny/i/v/h/Bridewell_PoliceStation_919.jpg

The old Police Station being revamped (as well as a number of other buildings around it)

Space Craft and Urban Splash win Bristol design
20 April 2007

By Heidi Ancell

Space Craft Architects is to design Urban Splash’s second development in Bristol.

The team was appointed for the historic Bridewell Island development by site owners Bristol City Council and Avon & Somerset Police after beating competition from other developer-led consortiums including Cordwell Property with Aedas and Carrot working with Alec French Architects.

Urban Splash and Acanthus Ferguson Mann Architects are also working on Lake Shore, another project in the city.

Space Craft will now reflect the Manchester developer’s approach in its home city, aiming to attract people back to the heart of Bristol by converting historic buildings.

Bridewell Island, a 0.5 ha site adjacent to Broadmead shopping centre, contains grade II listed buildings including a former police station, fire station and court complex, most of which have been vacant for two decades.

“We want to create a lively mix of uses for the site,” said Space Craft managing director Cody Gaynor. “Our challenge is to open the area up so it will attract tourists and become an important retail destination.”

Council leader Barbara Janke revealed there had been great interest in the site, adding that the listed buildings, which include an Italianate magistrates’ court constructed in 1879, made it essential the development was sympathetic.

“Our concern has been not simply to meet the relevant commercial requirements, but also to ensure future development is… in keeping with the history of the site,” she said.

Space Craft has also been shortlisted to work with Urban Splash on the 550-home first phase of the Thames Gateway Rochester Riverside regeneration project.

Who is space craft?

-

Space Craft Architects was founded in 2003 by Nik Randall, on leaving Brookes Stacey Randall.

He established the firm with former colleagues Cody Gaynor and Laura Irving.

The practice is working on several projects including refurbishment of Margate Library for Kent County Council, a railway arches community project for Medway Council and a mixed-use scheme in Cheshire for Urban Splash.

Gee31

April 23rd, 2007, 02:09 PM

NORTH BRISTOL:
I thought there was a load of stuff being built around Rolls Royce & BAE in Filton??? And Hewlett Packard & University of West England are chucking up tons of stuff on their respective campus' I think... no pics though

Theres a Massive 3 Story and another 3 story building next to it as you come past the UWE road on the Main Duel Carridgeway... I think they are making a Bussiness Park there... Also alot of building going on next to the AMCOR HQ near the Bradley Stoke Roundabout, its Called Vantage Office Park...

Theres loads going on around Filton And the Airbase etc... From the New Museum for the Concord and the £50 million Eco Zoo (First in the UK) at Cribbs to the All the new Hangers and New North Bristol Business Park near Filton College...

Theres a Big piece of land on the Airbus Roundabout that i think has been earmarked for a large 6 Story resi development (Owned by RedRow Homes i think) and also just down the road (On the duel carridgeway towards Filton College) is another huge building (about 8-10 storys high) which has been wrapped and is being developed...

I would love to know whats happening opposite the Filtion College site... Its boarded up and there diggers etc there... No News though...

Gee31

April 23rd, 2007, 02:13 PM

Gee31

April 23rd, 2007, 02:14 PM

Redcliffe Wharf
Redcliffe Way
Bristol
BS1 6SR

07/01678/F

Change of use to D2 Leisure Use for a temporary urban beach, including the construction of a sand beach, raised decking, hoardings and various buildings and works associated with the construction of food outlets, bar, stage, beach look-out tower, toilets and waste/recycling facilities. New car park layout and temporary placement of wind turbine.

http://e2edocs.bristol-city.gov.uk/WAM/findCaseFile.do?appName=planning&appNumber=07/01678/F

They still building Redcliff Village??? I saw plans on AWW website but dont quite know where its happening...

Schmeek

April 23rd, 2007, 02:37 PM

JamesWales

April 23rd, 2007, 02:52 PM

dronkula

April 23rd, 2007, 05:29 PM

yeah I thought that had been shelved. Also, if the beach did go ahead, how will they prevent people wanting to swim in the harbour? That water is diirrty.

Is the zoo still happening at cribbs then? Thought that was another one that had dissolved.

I also noticed today that there is a steel frame going up opposite harbourside (next to old casino) which is about 3/4 stories so far. Looks like more apartments.

The had an urban beach in London on the banks of the Thames and I'm pretty sure they didn't have problems with people trying to swim in the river.

On the Zoo front - it's still all go The parish council are trying to stop it but it looks like they've failed. There was a story about it in the Evening Post last week that said that permission should be given later this week and after that, it's all go for opening in 2012.

dronkula

April 23rd, 2007, 05:31 PM

And here's the story in the EP about it from Saturday.

ZOO POISED TO CLEAR WILDLIFE PLAN HURDLE
http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=145365&command=displayContent&sourceNode=145191&contentPK=17150369&folderPk=83726&pNodeId=144922
BY JOHN LE COUTEUR J.LECOUTEUR

10:40 - 21 April 2007

Bristol Zoo looks to have beaten a planning challenge which could have scuppered its £50 million dream of building the UK's first national wildlife conservation park.The zoo was originally granted planning permission to convert its 136-acre Hollywood Towers estate at Cribbs Causeway into a public zoo more than 40 years ago.

But Almondsbury Parish Council argued the permission had never been implemented so the consent should have been revoked.

South Gloucestershire Council's planning committee will meet on Thursday to decide if the zoo should been given a certificate of lawfulness which would uphold the 1967 decision.

Senior planning officer Helen O'Connor is recommending that the committee grant the certificate and said no further permission would be needed for the new "eco zoo" to go ahead.

That would involve laying out the park in a series of enclosures, each designed to replicate the natural habitat of the different animals housed there.

Almondsbury Parish Council opposes the plans because of concerns over congestion.

The new zoo would be expected to attract up to 400,000 visitors a year and its proposed entrance is less than 100 yards from junction 17 of the M5, which also serves The Mall shopping centre at Cribbs Causeway.

Villagers fear the extra traffic would bring the junction to a standstill at holiday times, when thousands of families already use the motorway to head for Cornwall and Devon or to visit The Mall.

In a letter to planners, the parish council said: "Part of the site has been fenced off and used as agricultural land - this was never intended to be used as zoological gardens. No argument is made in the certificate of lawfulness that the access was approved, and this is fundamental because one of the conditions states it shall not be open to the public until the access is approved."

But Martin Bailey, agent for the zoo, said records prove that tigers were kept at the Hollywood Towers estate from 1973.

He said there could be no possible doubt that the 40-year-old planning consent had been implemented because the zoo had also kept aardvarks, a giant tortoise and pot-bellied pigs on the site.

In a report to the planning committee, Mrs O'Connor said: "The zoo has submitted sworn evidence in relation to the use of the site since 1967. They have indicated that the land has been used to raise crops to feed and house the zoo animals kept at this site and at Clifton zoo."

The planning committee will meet at the Greenfield Centre in Winterbourne to decide the issue. If it agrees to endorse its officer's recommendation it would lift a project which has already suffered a number of setbacks.

Last year it was refused a £25 million Lottery grant which would have gone halfway towards meeting the set-up costs.

Schmeek

April 23rd, 2007, 05:37 PM

oh, you read my mind! Cheers.

Schmeek

April 23rd, 2007, 05:37 PM

Oh right. Didn't see that one in the post.
They're gonna have to have a good look at the transport infrastructure up there then. It can often be completely gridlocked on a busy weekend without the zoo.

Delirium

April 24th, 2007, 02:05 AM

I'm extremely curious as to what the lower level floors that are right by the water going to be like inside the Urban Splash lake shore development.
It looks pretty cool!

There's a good image of the derelict site from the live local site of it as well as it is now.

PJ1979

April 24th, 2007, 02:13 PM

chaps,

forgive my brief intrusion from the other side of the bridge! It's funny that there is mention of this beach for Bristol because it had been talked about recently here www.cardiffwalesmap.com.

I can't picture it in my mind, but If it was well done, it'd be an excellent addition to Bristol IMO.

I posted this Image on the Redcliffe Beach some time ago. It leaked from the Council, apparently its only gonna be a temporay beach until the redcliffe wharf design is finalised. I'll be a good addition for the summer though!

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/5682/redcliffebeachvk8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Schmeek

April 24th, 2007, 11:57 PM

I saw in the observer (sorry haven't got the copy to quote from) some renderings of the future hotel planned for bond street. It said something about the designs being 'sharpened up'. I think it will be about 6 or 7 storeys.

Gee31

April 26th, 2007, 02:36 AM

Schmeek

April 26th, 2007, 01:15 PM

Very cool. Bring it on! Bristol needs this. Where's the info from?

Delirium

April 27th, 2007, 02:46 PM

As we all know, Urban Splash have taken over alot of Nelson Street acquiring alot of the builds there and o Sliver and Bridewell Street...

I have heard rumors that the whole area is going to for a re-development and a China Town is going to go there....

This will be a mix of Apartments (Loads of them and some pretty tall buildings), Restraunts, Delis, Supermarkets, Temple and a Casino...

The whole area will be pedestrianised (which I have seen plans for already) and it will cater for Chinesse, Japanesse, Thai, Malaysian and other Asian cultures...

How cool would that be???

Hope this is true as that area sort of severs the area apart with only that narrow strip along corn street linking Broadmead and the rest of the centre together.
But if it were to become a Chinatown I wonder if it would be successfull seeing as the market seems quite saturated ?(as well as being in places easier to get to.)

Gee31

April 30th, 2007, 01:00 AM

The ECO ZOO has finally been given the OFFICAL go ahead and will now start construction very Soon...

Schmeek

April 30th, 2007, 08:20 PM

Pickle33

May 1st, 2007, 09:25 AM

I think the beach at Redcliffe has started construction. They're digging up the tarmac next to the quayside.

Gee31

May 1st, 2007, 02:31 PM

Hey, don't know if anyone's aware of this, but was just having a little sniff about in Cardiff's thread (as one does from time to time:lol: ) and noticed a link to the monopoly(boardgame) website where they're voting for a new board 2 b released later in year. Bristol aint even near making the board at the moment so get on it and help sort it!
http://www.monopoly.co.uk/vote.aspx

Theres a Campain started to get London on the Board... We need to make sure Bristol makes it on there...

I composed a email and sent it to friends and family and asked them to pass it on... Since then we have had an extra 150 votes put on...

Guys do the same and im sure we will make it on there...

Gee31

May 1st, 2007, 02:50 PM

A £250 MILLION scheme to transform one of Bristol's last waterside wastelands has been unveiled.

A 12-storey block of flats will tower over offices, bars, restaurants and cafes as part of the next phase of the Temple Quay development alongside the Floating Harbour, close to Temple Meads.

Plans for the development, known as Temple Quay Central, have been submitted to Bristol City Council, the Evening Post can reveal.

If planning permission is granted, building work could start before the end of the year, with the scheme expected to be finished by December 2009.

The developer of the mixed-use regeneration project, Castlemore Securities, has submitted a planning application for the entire waterfront element of the development.

The Temple Quay project is being driven by the South West Regional Development Agency, a government body given the task of improving the economy of the region.

The 19-acre development of the first half of the Temple Quay project has created 6,200 jobs and 800,000 sq ft of office space, with an overall value of £260 million.

It has attracted high-profile companies such as Bristol and West since work started on the first buildings, nine years ago.

The second phase of the development will stand on the opposite side of the Floating Harbour, behind Avon Street.

It will be linked to the rest of Temple Quay by the Valentine Bridge.

The application for the second phase consists of three main buildings, which will provide a total of 415,000 sq ft of office space.

The largest of these buildings will be 250,000 sq ft, more than half of which has been pre-let to law firm Burges Salmon, which plans to move in to the building in 2010.

The two neighbouring buildings could either cater for one occupier or be subdivided.

The plans for all three buildings include basement-level car parking.

The ambitious scheme also includes around 180 apartments, 72 of which will be in a 12-storey tower at the western end of the site.

The ground floor of the tower will be home to a cafe, while five more units designed for bars, restaurants or cafes are included in the plans for the ground floors of the neighbouring office buildings.

Castlemore Securities is planning to build another footbridge to make it easier to access the eastern side of the development.

Eric Hall, planning director at Castlemore Securities, said: "In planning the waterfront, we have been careful to bring in a different architect for each building so that the scheme is diverse, feeling like part of a city rather than one uniform piece of architecture."

http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/shared/contentbinaries/publish/1008864.JPG

Schmeek

May 1st, 2007, 07:31 PM

There's gonna be some serious action taking place over that side of town soon if all this kicks off.

Could've done with the tower being a nice 20 storeys though. For the business quarter it's lacking a bit of height. Apparently office space will soon be at a shortage in Bristol. They need to build bigger with the few sites that are left.

Looks like Ashton Gate is riding high with abetter chance than Bristol itself in the monopoly thing. I'm gonna start voting for that instead. Remeber you can vote once a day as well....

yogib52

May 1st, 2007, 11:41 PM

I've also put my weight behind Ashton Gate as it seems to have more of a chance of winning than Bristol. One thing I did notice was the 'City and County of Bristol' was missing from the drop down menu when you vote and I had to lump Ashton Gate into the county of Somerset as even the abomination of 'The County of Avon' was missing!!

Schmeek

May 2nd, 2007, 05:36 PM

Yeah, i've been putting somerset as well.
C'mon we're losing ground!!

dronkula

May 2nd, 2007, 09:25 PM

The Evening Post is reporting that the contract for the former Bristol and West tower conversion has now been signed and work has already started on it.

Completion is set for Oct 2008.

Pickle33

May 3rd, 2007, 11:35 AM

Just thought I would randomly post some nice pictures of the City Centre from the BBC Bristol website.

Enjoy!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bristol/content/images/2007/02/20/balloon20_470x350.jpg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bristol/content/images/2007/02/19/balloon17_350x470.jpg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bristol/content/images/2007/02/19/balloon05_470x350.jpg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bristol/content/images/2006/08/03/image11_470x350.jpg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bristol/content/images/2006/08/03/image12_470x350.jpg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bristol/content/images/2006/08/03/image19_470x350.jpg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bristol/content/images/2006/08/03/image32_470x350.jpg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bristol/content/images/2006/03/04/image26_470x353.jpg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bristol/content/images/2006/03/04/image55_470x350.jpg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bristol/content/images/2006/11/02/h05_470x350.jpg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bristol/content/images/2006/11/02/h17_470x350.jpg

Gee31

May 3rd, 2007, 04:17 PM

For some strange reason I am a bit peed off that citys like Brum, Manc and London are beating us in the Monopoly board race thing...

I have contacted the Evening Post, Western Daily, BBC Bristol, Points West, BBC Radio Bristol etc to see if they can start a small campain (Like the one in London) to help secure a place for Bristol on this Board...

Dont Vote ASHTON GATE... if all the ASHTON GATE votes would have added to bristols we would already be on the Board... GET BRISTOL ON THERE FIRST!!!

Gee31

May 3rd, 2007, 04:24 PM

I wrote to Bristol City Coucil and South Gloustershire Coucil regarding Land Around the M32. I think that it could be could good land to develop instead of using other green belt land on the outskirts of the city and having to building major new roads, I think the Land surrounding the M32 would be a good place to develop with its great Road and Rail links... The development could crate a major and great new Enterance into bristol (like londons) and could hold Housing, Offices, retail and could even house some taller buildings...

This is the responce I got from South Glos Council from Patrick Conroy, The Spatial Planning Team Manager...

"Thank for your recent e-mail setting out your thoughts about the potential of the land along the M32 Corridor. The development potential of this land is currently being considered as part of the strategic examination of new growth and development areas in and around Bristol. This is being undertaken as part of the Examination into the South West Regional Spatial Strategy which is being held in Exeter. Although the land does have development potential as you identify, the land is currently Green Belt, forming part of the green wedge which extends to Stoke Park and Purdown towards Bristol. This forms one of the principal entrances to Bristol. It is also important to fully appreciate that in landscape and visual amenity terms the M32 corridor is unique as an approach to Bristol city centre. It forms an undeveloped corridor and contributes to the setting of the Registered Historic Parkland and location of the Grade 1 listed building at Stoke Park."

"Development is also constrained by the Conservation Area at Hambrook, while the presence of grade one agricultural land and the noise and air pollution associated with the motorway are also factors that will constrain development. I hope this goes someway to answer your questions and explains why a too intense and urban form of development may not be appropriate."

I await Bristol City Councils responce... (if I ever get one that is)

Schmeek

May 4th, 2007, 12:12 AM

Hey - just been for a ride on my bike for a photo update on Cabot circus and a few other things. I can't seem to work out how to post them on here as i'm quite new to all this, but have uploadad them to flickr. If anyone can put them up on here for others to view please do. They are under the username HeavyRAIN. Some of the photo quality aint great but its enough to get an impression of how its progressing.

dronkula

May 4th, 2007, 04:12 PM

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/222/483116170_b1fbb4d427.jpg?v=0

dronkula

May 4th, 2007, 04:13 PM

Once you've got your photo's up on Flickr then it should just be

[ i m g ] address of photo [ / i m g]

But without the spaces.

To get the address of the photo, right click on it and choose 'properties'.

Schmeek

May 4th, 2007, 05:11 PM

Cheers Donkula, but still don't get it! What do you mean by [ i m g ]? I see the address under picture properties, but when I am signed in (to s/c) it says I MAY NOT post attachments. Is this for any reason, and do I need this to do what you showed me? I presume i m g stands for 'image', but where to find it I don't know....
Sorry to be such a dunce:ohno:

jjmacjj

May 5th, 2007, 01:10 AM

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SCHMEEK...... available for bar mitzvahs, weddings, christenings etc......

Great shots schmeek!!!!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/172/483116168_9c192f3ee0.jpg?v=0
I spy......inside Cabot's circus.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/206/483116126_2f4f20af09.jpg?v=0
Apartments opposite castlemead.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/168/483116160_38708fbc5b.jpg?v=0
Hoarding advertising apartments. (JJMACJJ - Ugh!!!)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/216/483116104_95d17c2614.jpg?v=0
New development next to where 'Finzels Reach' will be. (JJMACJJ - is there something you're not telling us schmeek, you must have walked on water to get this snap)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/172/483116114_1195c05801.jpg?v=0
Same but from the circuit road bridge, with the shot tower far right.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/205/483109197_c7fe856352.jpg?v=0

New development next to where 'Finzels Reach' will be.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/214/483109093_250ea4219a.jpg?v=0
Outside the marriot with Castlemead and the new tower under construction

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/190/483109167_57f1e64f5b.jpg?v=0
The quakers Friars side of the development.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/230/483109103_a2f367ae7a.jpg?v=0
The tower is nearing top out.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/196/483109177_a561d9b575.jpg?v=0
C. Circus main. The crane on the left is indicates the site for the new car park.

Schmeek

May 5th, 2007, 01:23 AM

Nice 1 jjmacjj. Yes I took my snorkel with me...!

I meant the crane on the right in that last one.

I drive past all this probably once a day at least, and it's quite amazing to witness the rate at which it changes.
I'll take some more next month.

El Supremo

May 5th, 2007, 02:05 AM

Any news on the arena? Any rumours of an ice hockey team playing there?

Gee31

May 5th, 2007, 06:02 PM

Good News for BRISTOL football FANS...

Bristol City have been promoted and Bristol Rovers have made it into the Playoffs...

CONGRATS to you all...

Pickle33

May 8th, 2007, 02:15 PM

Schmeek

May 8th, 2007, 04:50 PM

I totally agree. If this is the finish (would've hoped they might paint it or do SOMETHING with it) then I'll be extremely frustrated. They had an opportunity to create a city entrance that oozed class and style and they come up with this?! I wasnt sure from the renders because there were so few of them that actually gave much away, but it is looking as though the reality will be even worse.

Just hope they've got a card up their (council) sleeve yet.

Does anyone know how much of the 'shell' roof one might be able to see coming down newfoundland st?

Delirium

May 9th, 2007, 12:04 AM

^^^ probably not much...

jjmacjj

May 9th, 2007, 07:00 AM

meanwhile...... harbourside continues on it's 50 year timeline to construct 10 buildings - this ones topped out!!!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/206/488898263_aefa0cc2f2.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/100/301132839_49ddb951dd.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/119/301132753_5e4a95e256.jpg?v=0

photos shamelessly stolen from flickr

dronkula

May 9th, 2007, 12:41 PM

Does anyone think that the anchor department store at the head of the Cabots Circus dev't look dull as sh1t! Its just a big lump of sanstone cladding....Birmingham gets a mirror coated space ship and we get this piece of cr@p! :ohno:

I've not seen it recently, but I remember that in the plans for this it was meant to be clad with steel that'll give it an 'organic' look by rusting slowly over the years.

Not sure if I like that idea either though....

Gee31

May 9th, 2007, 03:01 PM

Delirium

May 10th, 2007, 08:35 AM

Does anyone think that the anchor department store at the head of the Cabots Circus dev't look dull as sh1t! Its just a big lump of sanstone cladding....Birmingham gets a mirror coated space ship and we get this piece of cr@p!

To be Honest there are large parts of the harbourside deveolpment (that hotel Ibis and that apartment building by it) that are pretty bland and cheap looking. It's that crappy plastic looking cladding and overall dull facade and windows that remind me of that Orion Building in Birmingham.

:ohno:

Schmeek

May 10th, 2007, 01:25 PM

Pickle33

May 10th, 2007, 02:19 PM

Delirium

May 10th, 2007, 10:11 PM

Dont start me on that ibis hotel.

It looks like some 1960's block with a splash of tacky colour thrown around those horrible little (too far apart) windows out of some childrens tv programme.. hope that building in front going up disguises it a litlle bit

So long as that building doesn't turn out the same :(

For me the Ibis is not all that important other than it adds to the density of the harbourside development, which I think is spot on in design terms. Its going to be obscured by a slightly better looking mediocre glass fronted office building anyway. The building I hate in the harbourside devt is that casino/car park/gym which fronts onto the square....I mean what the F*ck is that!? Did the Council think that the cars in the multi storey would need a nice view or something....its almost as bad as that multi storey which looks on to the watershed/harbourside on Prince Street....what a total waste of an opportunity.

Sort of a shame they didn't try something similar with the underground parking thats under the square next to it,
and the one by Jurys hotel was built a couple fo decades ago when Bristol was in the doldrums, so i guess thats why its there. blah blah.

To be honest i sort of wish that the development look less McRegeneration and more industrial looking in design, but eh at least its nice to see a prime site developed.

jjmacjj

May 11th, 2007, 02:33 AM

I think the Jury's still out on Harbourside until it's finished - annoyingly this won't be until 2012 when it finally links up with hotwells & those ace white apartment buildings at the bottom of Jacobs Well Rd on the water.

It's going to have a real unfinshed look & feel to it until the 2 offices on Anchor Rd are done & the next phase of apartments are complete. I really like the design of these offices, they are slick but low profile & will create a wall of glass leading up to the quality buildings of @Bristol. I don't know about the apartments but they will encase the semi circular flats to make them less prominent. The backs of the semi circles are appalling but the frontage is a really nice idea; if people get the foliage going over the balconies (as per the marketing pics) it'll look very European. Lets not forget that the pastel colours are a bristol tradition (Cliftonwood, Redcliffe Parade, Kingsdown, Totterdown, Windmill Hill etc) that have always given the harbourside a unique feel.

I think Pickle is spot on when he talks about density... Bristols got so much beautiful open space but it's got a habit of linking these open spaces with more open spaces....... it can sometimes feel a little desolate...

jjmacjj

May 11th, 2007, 02:39 AM

it ain't all bad.... the Cathedral's quite rightly the star of the show

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/158/404975236_76f6d89274.jpg?v=0

Delirium

May 11th, 2007, 06:26 AM

ILets not forget that the pastel colours are a bristol tradition (Cliftonwood, Redcliffe Parade, Kingsdown, Totterdown, Windmill Hill etc) that have always given the harbourside a unique feel.

I think Pickle is spot on when he talks about density... Bristols got so much beautiful open space but it's got a habit of linking these open spaces with more open spaces....... it can sometimes feel a little desolate...

well they (the new buildings) look tacky to me and even the older buildings with those colour arrangements can looked a tad bit depressing when they get dirty/faded TBH, but now I can see how the design is relevant,
And the street Layout from the renders i've seen I really like you get a really clear view of The SS. Great Britain on one end and the Cathedral on the other.(like the Pic above).

As for Open Space, i Guess it depends its not really that bad in the centre however out in the 'Burbs (especially The South and Central east areas).

Pickle33

May 11th, 2007, 09:51 AM

This is the first glimpse of ambitious plans to extend Bristol International Airport.

The £80 million plans put forward by airport chiefs would double the size of the terminal to cope with nine million passengers by 2015, compared with the expected total of 6.5 million passengers which will pass through its doors in 2007.

Car parking spaces would rise from 12,000 to 18,000 and bosses hope to build a hotel on the site.

The airport has about 60,000 plane arrivals and departures a year and this is set to rise to 82,000 by 2015. The airport said current flight levels created 0.4 per cent of man-made CO2 across the South West each year, a figure that will rise to 0.7 per cent by 2015.

But anti-expansion campaigners, claim the new pollution figure is likely to be nearer two per cent.

The new terminal would double in size to 40,000 sq m, and would feature piers to transfer passengers, rather than access by foot or bus as at the moment.

The expansion includes removing the current open-air parking, which will be replaced by a double-decker system and pair of multi-storey car parks.

Alan Davies, director of planning and development at the airport, said: "The proposed development will enable us to meet the demand for air travel to and from the South West, reducing the need for passengers to use airports outside the region.

"At the heart of our planning application will be the extension of the terminal building, which will greatly improve the travel experience for passengers using Bristol International.

"The building will be extended at each end, creating space for more check-in desks and further facilities for passengers.

"An on-site hotel would provide passengers and staff with much-needed overnight accommodation, and business and leisure facilities, without the need to leave the airport. We are currently working to address the points raised by North Somerset Council in response to our Master Plan."

I don’t suppose anyone has managed to source a pic of the terminal extensions? I have tried but I’m obviously barking up the wrong trees.

When I first arrived in Bristol, nearly 9 years ago now, the Airport was just a hut on a runway…..it’s a total transformation now. I use the Airport at least 3-4 times a year, but I have to say that recently it’s been a real ball-ache having to queue up at the gates. The place is stuffed to the rafters…literally. Despite the very simple boarding priority system of Easy Jet, people still feel the need to congregate in a pointless queue by the gate and nobody knows what the hell to do….I’ve just resorted to pushing past people when my group is called whether they are in my group or not. I hope they do introduce air bridges in the expansion.

As for getting there, the Bristol Flyer is excellent, however the A38 is beyond sh1t….the times you’re rushing to get to the Airport and you end up driving at a snail’s pace behind a cement mixer. When you arrive at Newcastle Airport you are whisked into the city centre on a near empty dual carriageway which links to the A1. In comparison when you arrive in Bristol you crawl along single lane country and suburban roads….you feel like you’ve arrived in Kazakhstan….not one of the most dynamic cities in the UK. Are there any plans to deal with this eg connections to the M5?

Gee31

May 11th, 2007, 02:36 PM

The Bristol Old Vic is to close for 18 months from this summer while a £7 million restoration programme is carried out.

A refurbishment of the Grade I listed building will see its notoriously uncomfortable seats replaced, a new air-cooling system installed, the floor level of the stalls raised for improved visibility and the installation of disabled lift access.

But the closure from August 1 spells the end of artistic director Simon Reade's time with the company, as it was announced last night that he will leave on June 2, when the current production of Cyrano de Bergerac ends.

The go-ahead for the refurbishment of one of the country's oldest working theatres was given after it secured a £1 million donation from the Linbury Trust, part of The Sainsbury Family Charitable Trusts.

Added to £1 million already provided by Bristol City Council, £2 million from the Arts Council England and funding from various other trusts and individuals, the theatre now has more than £5 million pledged towards the scheme - enough to begin work, with a planned completion date of December next year.

The theatre has confirmed some redundancies will be made because of the 18-month closure period.

A public appeal is due to be launched later this month to raise the outstanding sum of just under £2 million to complete renovation plans, which include structural, electrical and plumbing works.

Rupert Rhymes, chairman of trustees at the Bristol Old Vic, said: "The timing of the Sainsbury gift could not be better and we are immensely grateful to them for their generosity, and that of our other patrons.

"The decision to close the theatre is a difficult one, but at the end of the day we had very little option given the deteriorating state of the building, issues of health and safety and the need to improve the comfort for audiences in the future. There is much work to be done and unfortunately this cannot be carried out while the theatre is in operation."

The theatre confirmed that all shows in its summer programme will run. The theatre will contact those who have purchased tickets for Rough Crossings in September - the only pre-advertised show for the autumn.

Mr Rhymes said the theatre's team would be reduced to a "skeleton staff" and that some redundancies will need to be made. He said: "We hope to keep the numbers affected to a minimum and intend to consult about these proposals."

He added: "Simon Reade has made a significant contribution to the artistic development of the theatre. His talents as director, producer and dramatist have been instrumental in the success of some of our most popular performances in the past few years. We are extremely grateful and wish him every success in the future."

Mr Reade, the Old Vic's artistic director since 2003, is regarded by many as one of the UK's top theatre producers.

He said: "The continual presence of a producing theatre in Bristol since 1766 has made a significant contribution to the culture of the nation as a whole."

Mr Reade's artistic policy has met with consistent critical acclaim and earned him many local and national awards.

Gee31

May 11th, 2007, 02:52 PM

I don’t suppose anyone has managed to source a pic of the terminal extensions? I have tried but I’m obviously barking up the wrong trees.

When I first arrived in Bristol, nearly 9 years ago now, the Airport was just a hut on a runway…..it’s a total transformation now. I use the Airport at least 3-4 times a year, but I have to say that recently it’s been a real ball-ache having to queue up at the gates. The place is stuffed to the rafters…literally. Despite the very simple boarding priority system of Easy Jet, people still feel the need to congregate in a pointless queue by the gate and nobody knows what the hell to do….I’ve just resorted to pushing past people when my group is called whether they are in my group or not. I hope they do introduce air bridges in the expansion.

As for getting there, the Bristol Flyer is excellent, however the A38 is beyond sh1t….the times you’re rushing to get to the Airport and you end up driving at a snail’s pace behind a cement mixer. When you arrive at Newcastle Airport you are whisked into the city centre on a near empty dual carriageway which links to the A1. In comparison when you arrive in Bristol you crawl along single lane country and suburban roads….you feel like you’ve arrived in Kazakhstan….not one of the most dynamic cities in the UK. Are there any plans to deal with this eg connections to the M5?

No pictures im afraid... The traveling to and from is another story though...

Theres talk of put a us lane on the A38 for quicker access and also a Major Link with the M5 and a major link with the Extenstion to the Bristol Ring Road (Orbital, Circular road). Theres been also talk of a Rail Network link up aswell... I think the £80million will rise to about £120million and they will make the plans bigger once they are on site and allowed to progress...

We just need to support it and get the HIPPIES in Bristol to understand that its a GOOD thing...

Gee31

May 11th, 2007, 02:54 PM

well they (the new buildings) look tacky to me and even the older buildings with those colour arrangements can looked a tad bit depressing when they get dirty/faded TBH, but now I can see how the design is relevant,
And the street Layout from the renders i've seen I really like you get a really clear view of The SS. Great Britain on one end and the Cathedral on the other.(like the Pic above).

As for Open Space, i Guess it depends its not really that bad in the centre however out in the 'Burbs (especially The South and Central east areas).

I like that fact the development is there but as said before would have been nice if it was a bit taller... Also I like the Density of the project...

I think we cant make any judgements untill the whole project is complete...

Gee31

May 11th, 2007, 02:56 PM

Does anyone think that the anchor department store at the head of the Cabots Circus dev't look dull as sh1t! Its just a big lump of sanstone cladding....Birmingham gets a mirror coated space ship and we get this piece of cr@p! :ohno:

Yes totally... Could be changed if it looks Sh*t though... A Big glass building so Shoppers and Drivers could she eachother would have looked cool I recon...

Schmeek

May 11th, 2007, 10:29 PM

No pictures im afraid... The traveling to and from is another story though...

Theres talk of put a us lane on the A38 for quicker access and also a Major Link with the M5 and a major link with the Extenstion to the Bristol Ring Road (Orbital, Circular road). Theres been also talk of a Rail Network link up aswell... I think the £80million will rise to about £120million and they will make the plans bigger once they are on site and allowed to progress...

We just need to support it and get the HIPPIES in Bristol to understand that its a GOOD thing...

It seems certain that the south Bristol ring rd will happen now.
From the council website:
1. A38 - A370 Construction from 2010
2. Hengrove - A38 Construction from 2011
3. Hengrove - Hicks Gate Construction after 2016

There was once talk of a motorway link between the M4 chippenham down between east bristol/west Bath, and joining the M5 w-s-m. This link would've gone right past the airport. Think its been binned though.

On another note, drove through centre of Bristol today and noticed they've knocked down the building next to the colston Hall, so the new building should start to rise soon...

Gee31

May 11th, 2007, 11:02 PM

It seems certain that the south Bristol ring rd will happen now.
From the council website:
1. A38 - A370 Construction from 2010
2. Hengrove - A38 Construction from 2011
3. Hengrove - Hicks Gate Construction after 2016

There was once talk of a motorway link between the M4 chippenham down between east bristol/west Bath, and joining the M5 w-s-m. This link would've gone right past the airport. Think its been binned though.

On another note, drove through centre of Bristol today and noticed they've knocked down the building next to the colston Hall, so the new building should start to rise soon...

Whats with the Dates??? I'll be dead by the time this extra part of the ring road is built... Absolute shambles...

Gee31

May 11th, 2007, 11:09 PM

Whats with the Old Market Bus Showcase Development...

http://www.bristol.gov.uk/ccm/cms-service/stream/image/?image_id=14341059

Whats was wrong with putting a bus lane down each side and using the middle as just two extra lanes for traffic flow???

1...It would have cost less. Just extra Lanes instead of all that construction.
2...People would not have to walk to the middle of the road to catch a bus.
3...Now Zebra crossings etc are going to hold traffic up aswell(for people getting to the middle to catch a bus)
4...Buses will be pulling out from the wrong side to normal, causing confusion and maybe accidents.

Have Bristol City Council really lost it???

Delirium

May 12th, 2007, 04:35 AM

Whats with the Old Market Bus Showcase Development...

Have Bristol City Council really lost it???

They lost it a LONG time ago...

Gee31

May 12th, 2007, 04:06 PM

I have started a Thread in the COMPLETED PROJECTS section for Bristol...

Please feel free to put as many completed projects in there from the year 2000 to present day... There should be alot in there pretty soon with some major projects coming to a end...

Temple Quay etc would be a good start though...

Schmeek

May 12th, 2007, 06:40 PM

They lost it a LONG time ago...

They never had it.

Delirium

May 12th, 2007, 11:46 PM

They never had it.

exactly.

Gee31

May 13th, 2007, 04:42 AM

They lost it a LONG time ago...

What would this Current POWER STRUGGLE WITHIN THE COUNCIL mean for this City (Bristol)? If Lib Dems lose it and Conservitives or Labour take over will that mean that we will start to have a better and a more 21st Century Council???

Taller buildings, Better Transport, Less waste of money??? Could this be???

dronkula

May 13th, 2007, 10:00 AM

Hardley - the Libdems had only been the largest party in the council for about 3 years (and in that time they've not actually had a majority). Before then, it was a labour run council - with a clear majority.

Labour had been in charge for since the 1980's. Since then, they didn't approved Project 360, screwed the Tram plans, couldn't get a decent stadium built, rejected far more exciting proposals for Harbourside for the current McFlatpack estate and had failed to get an Arena for Bristol since the mid 80s.

It really doesn't matter which party is in control in Bristol - they've all proven to be useless with these sort of matters (and I really doubt the Conservatives would be pro-Skyscraper either).

oglord

May 16th, 2007, 02:35 PM

600FT 'GHERKIN' TOWER PLANNED FOR BRISTOL
http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=144913&command=displayContent&sourceNode=231190&home=yes&more_nodeId1=144922&contentPK=17337138

Ciudad Bristol

May 16th, 2007, 02:54 PM

Yes please - I'll believe when I see it though. Any renders?

This would be 2 metres taller than the Swiss Re building and would be the 2nd tallest building outside London.

dronkula

May 16th, 2007, 03:36 PM

It's the 'One Dove Lane' development mentioned earlier in this thread.

Here's the specific one with the tall tower

http://www.onedovelane.co.uk/images/pages/optionc_02_large.jpg

dronkula

May 16th, 2007, 03:38 PM

Here's the other 2 options

Option A

http://www.onedovelane.co.uk/images/pages/optiona_02_large.jpg

Option B

http://www.onedovelane.co.uk/images/pages/optionb_02_large.jpg

dronkula

May 16th, 2007, 03:42 PM

And, the comparison breakdown of each option

http://www.onedovelane.co.uk/images/pages/optiona_01_large.jpg

http://www.onedovelane.co.uk/images/pages/optionb_01_large.jpg

http://www.onedovelane.co.uk/images/pages/optionc_01_large.jpg

dronkula

May 16th, 2007, 03:44 PM

By the way - all details from http://www.onedovelane.co.uk

Gee31

May 16th, 2007, 07:05 PM

me and my girlfriend were looking at the proposals and thought the OPTION C would be the best...

A landmark building is basically is one of the main reasons... WE WANT THAT BUILDING!!! The other buildings surrounding it should be made bigger also but not so tall that they put the LANDMARK building in the shadow... UNLESS YOU WANT TO MAKE A TIPPLE TOWER OR SOME TWIN TOWERS... THAT WOULD BE FANTASTIC... Also this option provides Performance space and park, market etc which the others dont...

LETS SEE THIS PROJECT GO AHEAD AND FIGHT THE COUNCIL IF THEY DONT LET YOU DO IT...

DONT JUST GIVE UP!!!

Gee31

May 16th, 2007, 07:09 PM

HOW CAN WE SUPPORT THIS TOWER???

dronkula

May 16th, 2007, 07:40 PM

HOW CAN WE SUPPORT THIS TOWER???

Give your support here http://www.onedovelane.co.uk/your_say.php

Alternatively, on Sat 26th May and 2nd June there's an exhibition at St Paul's Learning and Family Centre, 94 Grosvenor Road, St. Paul's

dronkula

May 16th, 2007, 07:45 PM

However, don't get too excited yet.

The tower is just a concept and, although it's obvious that the developers are pushing option C (hence saying that it'll include more public space, performance area etc.) they say the tower could be between 20 and 40 storeys - I would expect it to be more towards the lower end of that at 20 storeys rather than the higher 40 storeys...

Delirium

May 16th, 2007, 08:38 PM

Option C looks the best by far if not for the fact that they might include all those options too, but also because it would probably appeal to the council, but given their logic :|

also those renders remind me of the borg :D

p.s Its nice to see the area being incorporated back into the centre, don't know if anyone has been down Wilson street but its quite nice. (and should create a nice link between the new area and Portland square.)

gothicform

May 16th, 2007, 09:54 PM

yeah ive been reading about this today too. looking good but i bet they wont go for any of them!

dronkula

May 17th, 2007, 12:24 PM

PJ1979

May 17th, 2007, 01:39 PM

The nay-sayers are already moving in on the tower...

http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=144913&command=displayContent&sourceNode=144913&contentPK=17341618&folderPk=83726

"PG Enterprises insists it will not be built unless residents support the scheme.

Project director Colin Bloch said: "We hope the building could be a symbol of Bristol as recognisable as the Clifton Suspension Bridge."

The scheme has had a mixed reaction from residents and planning experts.

Pete Bullard, of community group St Paul's Unlimited, said: "I think it is wishful thinking on the part of the developer.

"I think people in St Paul's will not want something which totally dominates the area and looks completely out of place."

Resident Musnilya Babatunbji, 46, of Grosvenor Road, said: "Anything which improves the area would be welcomed but we would like to see the people of St Paul's included in deciding what goes there."

Bristol Civic Society spokesman Jerry Hicks said: "We would be very wary of such a scheme unless it was designed to the highest possible standards.

"Some tall buildings, such as St Mary Redcliffe's spire or the Cabot Tower on Brandon Hill are absolutely delightful, but many of the modern ones are a blight on the skyline. Generally developers want the maximum size they can get for the minimum price."

Its not really surprising but I always find it really frustrating when they quote people in the evening post. Basically the Civic Society don't like anything new and would rather stop everything for eternity so its obvious they won't support it! Their more preservation than conservation, but in this instance i'm not sure what they are trying to preserve, it just the typical knee jerk reaction that they can't be seen to support anything even though they have little reason to object.

St Paul's residents have already had a opportunity to have a say on what goes on the site, its called public consultation so what it she on about! Its annoying because other parts of the city would also really benefit from this sort of investment and redevelopment, but instead of saying great this is a real opportunity that will provide many public faciltities for the area they complain.

Rather than simply looking at the scale of the development and saying that the developer only want it to be that big to maximise profits (which is bloody obvious and perfectly undertandable as they are running a business and take all the risk). They should weight up the alternatives. 1) leave its as it is, run down, shabby and of little benefit or have it developed at a reasonable scale for housing and offices but without any of the community infrastructure or public access to space or buildings. I know what i'd choose and that's why the most exciting developments in Bristol (Cabot Circus, Harbourside, Temple Quay, Finzels Reach and St Mary Le Port) all have a significant element of publically accessible space framed by in some case interesting new buildings.

Development is about improving the area in the sense of how it looks and ensuring places and buildings are well used and vibrant. We all like new development but are rarely luck enough to actually make use of the buildings. Large commercial development have the ability to provide community facilities and open space which the people of St Paul's should grab with both hands, the alternative will simply to get a flat pack development with low scale, limited access to anyone other than those who might live and work there.

Apologises for the rant!

This is an image of the O and M shed on Welsh Back next to Redcliffe Bridge/Queen Square

http://http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/5440/oandmshedwatersidect3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Schmeek

May 17th, 2007, 02:14 PM

Well we all know and expect these people to make these sort of comments. As Pj said they stand against these things just for the sake of standing againts them. Logic rarely comes into it.
I agree that we need to ensure that it will be of high quality and architectural merit (the renders don't really show it realistically), and obviously height isn't everything.

But I think the developers are right to push for a 'landmark' building (so what if it suits them that way), and hit the nail on the head when he mentioned Brunel's suspension bridge. I've said it before and i'll say it again that Brunel set the bar ridiculously high and no-one has even come close to emulating his acheivements. I think this city deserves at least someone with the balls to have a go.

Schmeek

May 17th, 2007, 02:15 PM

Oh and that shed looks alright. That part of town will look quite smart especially when the industrial museum is changed.

Gee31

May 17th, 2007, 05:11 PM

Its not really surprising but I always find it really frustrating when they quote people in the evening post. Basically the Civic Society don't like anything new and would rather stop everything for eternity so its obvious they won't support it! Their more preservation than conservation, but in this instance i'm not sure what they are trying to preserve, it just the typical knee jerk reaction that they can't be seen to support anything even though they have little reason to object.

St Paul's residents have already had a opportunity to have a say on what goes on the site, its called public consultation so what it she on about! Its annoying because other parts of the city would also really benefit from this sort of investment and redevelopment, but instead of saying great this is a real opportunity that will provide many public faciltities for the area they complain.

Rather than simply looking at the scale of the development and saying that the developer only want it to be that big to maximise profits (which is bloody obvious and perfectly undertandable as they are running a business and take all the risk). They should weight up the alternatives. 1) leave its as it is, run down, shabby and of little benefit or have it developed at a reasonable scale for housing and offices but without any of the community infrastructure or public access to space or buildings. I know what i'd choose and that's why the most exciting developments in Bristol (Cabot Circus, Harbourside, Temple Quay, Finzels Reach and St Mary Le Port) all have a significant element of publically accessible space framed by in some case interesting new buildings.

Development is about improving the area in the sense of how it looks and ensuring places and buildings are well used and vibrant. We all like new development but are rarely luck enough to actually make use of the buildings. Large commercial development have the ability to provide community facilities and open space which the people of St Paul's should grab with both hands, the alternative will simply to get a flat pack development with low scale, limited access to anyone other than those who might live and work there.

Apologises for the rant!

This is an image of the O and M shed on Welsh Back next to Redcliffe Bridge/Queen Square

http://http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/5440/oandmshedwatersidect3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Well put... Y do we have such a shit council... And why do we have people who dont appreicate good developments... The properties prices around there would also be most improved with the landmark building as its a Image of bristol...Just like living by Canary Wharf in London...

Flogging Molly

May 17th, 2007, 11:50 PM

http://www.building.co.uk/Pictures/web/m/b/y/bristol_tower_main.jpg

Image: 40-story eco-tower on Bristol shortlist
17 May, 2007

By Vikki Miller

Mixed-use tower one of three options being considered for regeneration of St Paul's district of Bristol

This 40-storey eco-tower could be built in Bristol as part of the regeneration of the St Paul’s area.

The 600 ft tower is one of three options under consideration for the redevelopment of Dove Lane project in the city.

A consortia including Bristol-based developer PG Enterprises, Places for People and consultant RPS have drawn up a shortlist of architects to work up the plans.

The site will include 753,000 sq ft of homes, offices and businesses, as well as a doctor’s surgery, outdoor performance area and possibly a 100-room hotel.

The scheme is due to go in for planning early in 2008.

bantam

May 18th, 2007, 05:53 PM

Gee31

May 18th, 2007, 08:39 PM

A new report from lastminute.com has named Bristol one of the most popular cities for overseas visitors to visit, based on European bookings made through their website.

A record 32.5 million overseas residents are expected to visit Britain in 2007, spending an estimated £15.8bn.
Through its European network, lastminute.com analysed its latest booking trends to find out which are the most popular places to go in Britain, according to overseas visitors.

Research found that the most popular city break for overseas residents is London, followed by Liverpool and Bristol is third.

As the gateway to the south west of England and Wales and a unique mix of city, coast and countryside all within easy reach, it's no surprise that Bristol has come out on top.

John Bevan, Travel Director at lastminute.com comments, "We are seeing a significant rise in hotel bookings and indeed flights to regional airports across Britain, with many holidaymakers now taking up to five holidays a year. As our
research shows, overseas residents are discovering new and exciting destinations across the country and we expect to see British holidaymakers follow suit."

Jan Van Heel, Head of Entertainments comments, "It appears the warm weather has had a positive effect on tourism. More and more people are taking days out and
enjoying some of the fantastic attractions available."

jjmacjj

May 20th, 2007, 06:19 AM

Another pic of the Hotel planned for Bond street - facing the new House of Fraser....

http://www.hoteldesigns.co.uk/library/1178060400/02_05_07_South_Elevation_final_No_Name_lrg.jpg

"The seven-floor hotel will feature a top-floor conference suite, five storeys of bedrooms and a reception and bar on the ground floor"

dronkula

May 20th, 2007, 11:42 AM

Interestingly - the EP seems to be supporting this esp. with the bit at the end ("if you want to support this, email the council").

http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=144913&command=displayContent&sourceNode=144913&contentPK=17362818&folderPk=83726

WELCOME TO CITY'S BEACH
07:57 - 19 May 2007
http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/shared/contentbinaries/publish/1096421.JPG

It'll be a shore-fire success ... as long as we get the sunshine.That's the pledge from the team planning to create a sandy beach this summer in Bristol's floating harbour.

The Evening Post today reveals the first views of how Bristol Beach will look.

The aim is to transform a concrete dockside car park into a place where city-dwellers can relax in the sun.

Project organiser Melissa Mean says the creation of Bristol's "beach within reach" will be an innovative use of one of the city's last remaining semi-derelict waterfront sites.

It will enable people to enjoy sun and sand without driving or flying long distances.

"It will be a free public space for all ages where people can relax, play volleyball or build sandcastles - to a nice tropical backdrop and Caribbean music," she said.

If the scheme is given planning permission, 500 tonnes of sand will be brought in to make the beach, which will be open for two months.

Ms Mean said: "We will be opening on June 30 with a Redcliffe Community Beach Party that will feature local dancers and musicians."

There are plans to run mother-and-toddler treasure hunts in the morning, provide space for office workers to take some time out at lunchtime, as well as hosting after-work volleyball and music events.

On the beach square there will be tai-chi and yoga lessons, an area for building sandcastles, plus lunchtime jazz, and film and documentary viewings. The bar will offer breakfast, lunch and after-work picnics.

There will also be a designated area for poetry performance, talks, lectures and a drama club.

Ms Mean said: "The beach will be an opportunity to bring different people and communities together, to participate in how the wharf will develop in the future.

"The programme and feel of the beach will be designed to appeal to a mix of generations and will be inclusive of Bristol's diverse communities - a shared space for the whole city."

Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin and Rotterdam have all had beaches created for them. The proposal to do the same in Bristol was put forward in the Brunel 200 ideas competition last year to mark the anniversary of the birth of the great engineer.

The urban beach project is being led by Demos, an independent charity, and Zero Zero a not-for-profit architectural development agency.

The sand will be brought in by tug boat, in keeping with the history of the wharf. Once the beach closes on September 9, the sand will be recycled in a building project.

The planning application for the beach will be heard on June 6. If people would like to support the project, they can write to the council's planning and licensing departments or email customerservices.ptsd@bristol.gov.uk .

PJ1979

May 22nd, 2007, 01:12 PM

See the Severn Barrage has resurfaced again, but this time with more political support. This is the link to the article in the evening post:

http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=145365&command=displayContent&sourceNode=145191&contentPK=17379717&folderPk=83726&pNodeId=144922

For further background information check out this link

http://r-energy.co.uk/index.shtml

I'll be something to behold if this ever got built!

PJ1979

May 22nd, 2007, 01:14 PM

Also another article on congestion charging:

http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=145365&command=displayContent&sourceNode=145191&contentPK=17379710&folderPk=83726&pNodeId=144922

Schmeek

May 24th, 2007, 12:27 PM

I was just thinking about this barrage concept; it seems obvious to me that there are more far reaching implications to what they are proposing than has been reported. I have not read one report which brings up the effects on the rivers which flow from the severn - the Avon being the most obvious, and also the Usk at Newport.

Since the barrage would be built at w-s-m to Cardiff(ish), then what would this mean for these rivers. It is said that the barrage will create a lagoon behind it. Blue, brown or whatever colour it will be, I wonder how the Avon tides will change? What will become of Brunel's floating harbour? Will it be rendered useless? Will this be good for Bristol(as perhaps more ships, or larger ships would be able to enter the city)?

Also, how will they make the barrage so that the large ships can still access Avonmouth/Portbury Royal docks? It has been said that the barrage will incorporate a new bridge for cars/trains. So I take it it will be high enough?

Schmeek

May 24th, 2007, 12:39 PM

I forgot to mention that the Avon Gorge is a national treasure, a site of special scientific interset. Many species found within it are very rare, and two trees are completely unique here. It also has a 'microclimate' whereas the temp. is higher in the gorge than outside it. Would this be effected, and would the gorge not grow deeper if the tide was suppressed?

dronkula

May 24th, 2007, 12:56 PM

The barrage would reduce the tidal range - but not remove it altogether.

The plans would include a lock in the barrage itself so that ships can still pass through. To enter Avonmouth and Portbury, the ships needs to pass through a lock gate anyway, so the lock in the barrage only needs to be bigger than that gate.

Don't forget that in the past, there's been 2 other plans for a barrage on the Avon itself - one on the new cut between Bedminster and Ashton, and one further down river at Avonmouth itself. Both of these have faltered because of money rather than for any other technical reasons.

dronkula

May 24th, 2007, 12:57 PM

Oh, and the problems in the gorge itself wouldn't be that it'll get deeper if the tide was surpressed but that it'll get shallower because you could get silt building up in it rather than being carried out to sea.

Schmeek

May 24th, 2007, 01:49 PM

Yeah I didn't explain myself very well on that bit. I meant the gorge wouldn't get deeper(at the same rate as it is now), as the river wouldnt be able to cut down through the rock so effectively if the tidal force was reduced.

Pickle33

May 24th, 2007, 08:40 PM

Just watched Pointless West on the beeb and is seems Ryan Air are setting up a major base at Bristol Int'l bringing an extra 1m passengers per year by 2008....that would take Bristol over 8 million ppa....its a huge leap forward for them. Makes you wonder if the planning application to double the size of the terminal will be big enough? I can't see an extra 2m ppa squeezing into the existing terminal, its already chaos! They'd better start building as soon as the application is approved.

http://www.bristolairport.co.uk/news_and_special_offers/latest_news/article/Ryanair%2013%20New%20Routes.aspx

Schmeek

May 25th, 2007, 10:19 PM

Yeah they might need to re-think that terminal....

I was out in Bris today and noticed a few things:

The scaffold/covers seem to be coming off the new apartments opposite castlemead from the top down. Already looks a disgusting shade of red which clashes with the ochre building next to them.:ohno:

I think there has been more demolition in the finzels reach area.

And lastly, the temple quay 2 project is properly starting to grow, and the diggers/cranes are on site on the waterfront portion at long last.

Sorry didn't have my camera but will take a load of shots around the city next week.

Delirium

May 26th, 2007, 02:11 PM

^^^ i agree its incomprehensible to the mind as to why they would build it. Even on the renders it looks tacky, and the building it adjoins isn't particualry nice (but I like it) and yet it looks far more pleasing on the eyes than that,

on the plus side the flatpack style of it makes it look like it can be demolished quicker. ;)

On a slightly unrelated note what would people here like to see changed in Bristol development wise,
I started thinking about this when I was in Castle park by the old ruined church and i couldn't help but feel how the Galleries shopping centre has become problematic I hope that in maybe 10 years that the Site in its current state would become eligible for redevelopment

Its just that it
1) Completely turns it back on the Park and It would be nice if we had one day, shops/cafes etc. that fronted the park, (maybe in that the time from now until then more upscale shops would prefer to As this would fill in the gap between the southern end by Quakers Friars and the top of the hill.
However I also feel it would reintergrate the park even more if that were the case (Castle park can feel a bit out on a limb at times)

And.

2) It's aged not very well considering and since the broadmead redevolpment began, more people I know, as well as comparing it to say 4 or 5 years ago tend to shop around park street and Clifton or corn street, and tend to prefer a more outdoor atmosphere (even in winter). (st Nich's is very nice.)

Other things i would liked to see changed are the ugly 60's buildings which are entirely on the north side or Corn street, However if it is something like the Mcflatpack style we're seeing at the moment then forget about it, I think Actually genuine involvment of Architects (which are actually seldom involved in the UK) should be considered as opposed to simply developers.

----

Also does anyone feel how the Main strip (the one with Greggs Bakery )in between Broadmead and Corn street simply breaks the area up into two areas? (splitting the main shopping areas in the centre into three parts) Its in a pretty valuble spot maybe its because of the semi derelict Office block opposite?

:)

Schmeek

May 26th, 2007, 04:07 PM

Yes I think you're right about the Galleries. I never used them much even when they were new, but now it's looking quite tired. As you say it kind of makes the park seem obselete. I think the park will become more a centre piece in the coming years (which will be nice), because of the spectacular bridge which will link it to the new finzel's reach area and the cabots circus. Also, the derelict office building you talk of is also to be redeveloped soon(well hopefully anyway!), with a design which hopefully will improve that whole link between the two.

Delirium

May 27th, 2007, 07:08 PM

oh I forgot about the Mary-le-port thing!

PJ1979

May 29th, 2007, 11:12 AM

dronkula

May 29th, 2007, 12:32 PM

The Galleries is going to have to modernise itself soon just to stop all the shops in it from moving to the new Cabot Circus next year.

I to think that the Union St entrance could be smarten up - in fact, I think there's room there for a cafe or coffee shop to provide a better link across to the park.

Pickle33

May 29th, 2007, 01:55 PM

They've just started the ground works for the new office buildings fronting the floating harbour (next to the wiggly bridge). I think Burges Salmon solicitors are going to move there. I think the tall resi on the otherside of the wiggly bridge will not be long in starting either.

Pickle33

May 29th, 2007, 02:02 PM

Just found this pic of what they're building at Temple Quay "Central".

http://www.templequay2.com/images/3.jpg

Delirium

May 30th, 2007, 01:52 AM

Most of your thoughts still stand, even with St Mary le Port. The scheme when it finally arrives will help the link down Wine Street (Greggs etc) between St Nics and the Galleries, but the back of the Galleries is really dead and doesn't link with the park at all. St Mary le port won't change that, particularly as the new plans will scale back the developments impact on the park and therefore how close it comes towards broadmead.

I can't see them pulling the Galleries down anytime in the next 20 or 30 years. But they could potentially expand the galleries and re-work the car parking to create something better. They are currently expanding TK Maxx into the roof space and that got me thinking. I though they could do this with some of the lower floors of the car park, potentially bring out a first floor terrace area overlooking the park, keep the road underneath, add a new access into the galleries and onto the terrace from castle park. If they put a mix of restaurant and shops, particularly on the link back into the galleries it could be really good.

Also they could rebuild the entrance on the corner of Union street and make it more modern and install a living green wall on the castle park frontage so the building was more in keeping with its surroundings. The brick and metal blue tubing is old hat and I've also seen a few identical Galleries shopping centres most recently in Aldershot.

Just my thoughts but it would allow better intergration!

we'll see about that...*runs off to get dynamite*

I quite like your idea.

Well alot can happen in 20 years (although god forbid anything bad would happen) and hopefully The City Centre will be brimming with shops and businesses by then in a variety of locations relatively nearby so that the absence of the shopping centre wouldn't cause as much of an economic problem.

And another thing is that the arcade; something I feel that has Units fill up then empty way too quickly ,(although lately not many shops have moved out/in too quickly its that Milkshake bar in the middle I tell ya) and the Church/hall (I think its a baptist, Quaker or something else i can't remember...) in between House of Fraser and the Galleries would also benefit as well if the site were redeveloped someday. ( I think the 'Cabot' area would actually help more to a certain extent in that it happens earlier.)

But overall Ive suddenly become agitated at its existance.

also I was in town today and although this old pic doesn't show it, the recently empty building has had been refurbished and has a relatively upscale cafe there;but its probably 'chainy'. (its not really new news but I felt i should mention it as i think that Corn street is the one street Bristol can't afford not take advantage of.)

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w139/aubertonic/Bristol3/Bristol4/p10103112.jpg

and while im at it, Most people seem to forget these things and yet they dominate the landscape. (not really relevant ,its just they're the best buildings in south Bristol.) they remind me of Manchester.

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w139/aubertonic/Bristol3/Bristol4/P4210960.jpg

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w139/aubertonic/Bristol3/Bristol4/P4210963.jpg

and one more thing does anyone know whats going on with the Old brewery south castle park? whats its status?

PJ1979

May 30th, 2007, 02:00 PM

This Finzels reach thing is looking pretty good... just restarted development i hear.... finish 2009/10

http://www.h4mail.com/3d/h4_news_big.jpg

http://www.h4mail.com/3d/h4_news_big1.jpg

http://www.h4mail.com/3d/h4_news_big10.jpg

http://www.h4mail.com/3d/h4_news_big6.jpg

http://www.h4mail.com/3d/h4_news_big5.jpg

http://www.h4mail.com/3d/h4_news_big4.jpg

gonna feel pretty different south of the river when this is done.... time to relocate the central fire station methinks

It has full planning permission and is currently under construction for mixed use, residential, office, new footbridge micro brewery, etc. JJmacJJ posted some excellent images a while back in this thread (see above).

This is a link to the schemes marketing page
http://www.finzelsreach.co.uk/

Delirium

May 30th, 2007, 03:58 PM

It looks like better than the Harbourside imo.

But its a shame that not all of the Brewery (facade) is being saved.

here's a Comparison.
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w139/aubertonic/brwery.jpg

http://www.h4mail.com/3d/h4_news_big.jpg

JamesWales

May 30th, 2007, 04:32 PM

Looks like a smart development.

Gotta say though, what I absolutely love about these kind of things..

compare the colour of the river in the pic of the new development, compared to the colour in reality. Classic! Gotta love those architects!

Delirium

May 30th, 2007, 04:44 PM

Delirium

May 30th, 2007, 08:09 PM

Some Image aerials around late
2006.

Broadmead
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w139/aubertonic/untitled.jpg

Temple Quay (2)/The Dings.
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w139/aubertonic/thedings.jpg

M32/St Pauls.
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w139/aubertonic/Stpaulsouth.jpg

Schmeek

June 4th, 2007, 06:54 PM

I've been out with my camera and documented some developments.

I've put them on Flickr under the name 'JAMonTOAST' so you're welcome to have a look. And if someone knows how, can they post some of them on here please?

I didn't focus too much on the Cabot circus site as it is the obvious one and there are webcams available anyway. I'm sure we will see quite a bit of change there in the coming months with cladding/exterior/roofing, so I'll get my camera out again over there when it's more appropriate.

I had a peek at:

Colston Hall

Radisson SAS hotel (former Bristol&west)

Temple quay 2

+ a few others.......

El Supremo

June 5th, 2007, 03:33 PM

bristolboy

June 5th, 2007, 05:57 PM

Thanks for putting the link up for my campaign to save @t bristol. they still went ahead and closed it and we are stuck with an empty iconic building now.
Im new to this site and think it is fantastic to see all the developments.

Delirium

June 6th, 2007, 12:42 AM

Is there any news at all on the new Bristol arena? I havn't seen able to find any renders and information is very hard to come by. I read on wikipedia that there's a possibilty that ice hockey will be played there? What a great rivalry that would be - Cardiff v Bristol.

As far as I know the last time i heard the brownfield site was being cleared and de-contaminated becasue of the either the chemical or deisel works (or something like that) that used to be there. However although they said this process would take a along time im not too sure how long...

That's all I know for now, as to what it looks like i don't think they've decided on a design just yet.

dronkula

June 6th, 2007, 01:35 AM

The Arena is a project with both the Council and the regional development agency involved. So, don't expect anything to happen quickly.

They were supposed to begin consulting on it at the end of 2005, then mid 2006, the early 2007. We're now in mid 2007 and there's no sign of it. I'm pretty sure the originally opening date of 2009 is now not achievable.

It'll happen eventually - the land it's being built on is owned by the SWRDA so it should be fairly safe and shouldn't get sold out from underneath them.

Oh - and the decontamination of the site was completed 2 years ago. So, that shouldn't be a problem.

Changing the subject, how many people do we have with cameras in Bristol now? Just wondering whether we should create individual threads for the bigger projects that are under construction like Broadmead, Finzels Wharf, the Bristol and West Tower and Harbourside. Are there enough people to stick things in there?

Delirium

June 6th, 2007, 02:01 AM

Changing the subject, how many people do we have with cameras in Bristol now? Just wondering whether we should create individual threads for the bigger projects that are under construction like Broadmead, Finzels Wharf, the Bristol and West Tower and Harbourside. Are there enough people to stick things in there?

I think possibly maybe Broadmead deserves a thread seeing as the other projects (bar the Harbourside project) have only just taken off or have yet to be started although you could lump the Bristol and west tower with the harbourside.
but what exactly would you put on the thread? something like a photo journal is that what you mean?

jjmacjj

June 8th, 2007, 10:10 PM

From the Beeb...... could be building up to a letdown - Tram style!!!

Cash fears over city arena scheme

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41504000/jpg/_41504392_arena.jpg

The council is now looking at the project
Plans for a £100m stadium in Bristol could be in jeopardy after a public funding gap for the project was revealed.
A consortium of four builders has yet to start work on the 12,000-seater Bristol Arena.

The South West Regional Development Agency said the project's success now depends on partners working together.

It added that the funding gap was not a new discovery and had been factored in from the beginning of the scheme.

"This project is a public-private partnership and there is always a funding gap: what is to be made up by the public sector, said a spokeswoman.

"It is a long-term negotiation... The funding needed from the public sector has not been agreed on yet."

But the agency said it could give no guarantees the public sector would pay if the amount was too great.

'Complex project'

The building firms involved are Orion Land and Leisure, SMG, housing developer Bellway PLC and construction firm Sir Robert McAlpine.

Burland TM has already been appointed as masterplanner of the site, with HOK sport architecture chosen to design the building and facilities.

A recent report from Orion Land and Leisure, which cost almost £500,000 and highlighted the gap, also covers the economic and environmental impact the arena will have on the city.

The company declined to give exact details, but said that it has now reviewed the project and brought the funding gap down to an acceptable level.

It was now looking for a positive answer from its partners for the Arena scheme to go-ahead, a statement read.

Around £13m has already been spent purchasing and clearing a nine-ace site for the arena near Temple Meads railway station.

Ian Thompson, from the South West RDA, added: "The arena is dependent on the public and private partners coming up with the right funding package.

"Also the complexities of this project with regards to transport and planning and are not something we can just get on with straightaway," he added.

Helen Holland, Labour leader of Bristol City Council, added: "One of the things we have done is to start looking at these issues.

"We are keen on the Arena, but it is a complex project."

The scheme is expected to cost between £100m and £150m and was expected to open in 2008.

Link to video

http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/nol/newsid_6730000/newsid_6731100?

jjmacjj

June 8th, 2007, 10:30 PM

Thanks for putting the link up for my campaign to save @t bristol. they still went ahead and closed it and we are stuck with an empty iconic building now.

Nice one for having the dynamism to start up the campaign... i'm gutted about this one cos it seems so short-sighted; a million quid a year shortfall (or whatever it was) is just a drop in the ocean - i'd suspect that the extra tourist footfall that it dragged into Bristol was worth much more. The economic case for keeping it open could therefore probably have been justified in the short term whilst some good heads got together to make it viable. The thing with closing it so quickly is that within a very short time, the cost of getting the thing up & running again becomes astronomical - the short time span between announcing & closing for good suggests that there was no real desire to keep it open & certainly no intention to find a way to dig it out of it's hole....... the 'can't go into the new financial year' excuse for the quick closure may well be true but is also a wholly unsatisfactory one for such a high impact & 'final' decision....... :ohno:

Always better off the chest!!

jjmacjj

June 8th, 2007, 10:41 PM

On a more positive note.... i've had me crayons out this morning & i thought this was quite interesting - the scene posted earlier is gonna chnage quite a bit in the next few years - 3 developments (marked in red) all under construction. What price on the fire station site after 2010 i wonder??

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1318/536413861_6b3b0fbb96_o.jpg

Delirium

June 9th, 2007, 12:18 AM

well this is the area immediatley south and-

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w139/aubertonic/templechurch.jpg

Well What i would hope to happen is if THIS area here plus the central fire station is redeveloped into an area where the church ruins and park were to become the CENTRAL part of any new development forming a new squareof sorts at one end. (The area outlined in red )

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w139/aubertonic/templechurch2.jpg

bristolboy

June 13th, 2007, 04:45 PM

Has anyone been on the liverpool thread and seen the amazing amount of new buildings that have been given the go ahead. We can only dream of this kind of massive development in bristol. Give liverpool their due at least the city council has vision and embraces change! Best thing bristol can do is get rid of the civic society they are the main hold back for our great city. You have to drag them kicking and screaming into the 21st century!!!!

Schmeek

June 13th, 2007, 04:58 PM

It's quite impressive up in the 'pool aint it?

We have certainly been unfortunate here with the council's stance etc., but I think there is still opportunity for quality projects within Bristol which might suprise some people. I hope the people at the top realise soon that there is a danger of being 'left behind' and do something about it.

Schmeek

June 13th, 2007, 05:03 PM

bristolboy

June 13th, 2007, 11:30 PM

Looks like the C.C. webcams have gone down again, at quite a crucial time!
Last time this happened,after a month I'd had enough, so had to email them and fairplay to the lady, she sorted it out quite quickly and even got them to update the website photos which had been neglected for months.

They are now back on line again and this time they are no longer cutting off at 6pm . on real time now so a lot better. Its looking good down there. bring on september 2008!

bristolboy

June 13th, 2007, 11:41 PM

Look on the stanton williams website and download the practice profile to see the new house of fraser store it is on page 37. Looks very impressive.
http://www.********************/SW_Practice_Profile.pdf

Schmeek

June 14th, 2007, 12:04 AM

oh yeah good spot.

Completely changing the subject now; I was just thinking about the location of temple meads. It is widely acknowledged to be a little too far from the centre proper, isn't it? Well, I thought, Brunel's idea to build it adjacent to the river was because back then the river was intrisically part of the nationwide trading network - they would bring stuff in from the dock and roll it up to temple meads where it could be distributed throughout the country or vice versa. It made perfect sense back then. But it struck me as an obvious solution that a fast, light rail(or something similiar)could be attached to the side wall of the river at the ferry terminal by the station and would follow it totally unobstructed under the inner ring road, past finzel's reach, around the left hander and could finish up at Bristol Bridge (which is the historical centre anyway). It wouldn't need to be a loop because it could just go there and back and each trip would only take 2-3mins. I realise there are the ferries out there doing the rounds but they are far and few between and are more for the tourists(or people not in a rush) than as a complete solution.
I'm sure there would be problems with this idea but I haven't really looked too deeply into it. I doubt cost would be one of them though. The line would only be about 3/4mile long.

dronkula

June 14th, 2007, 10:50 AM

PJ1979

June 14th, 2007, 03:12 PM

Dear all. Construction on the waterfront section of Temple Quay 2 is gathering momentum. This is a link to the plans and reports for this part of Temple Quay Central.

http://www.templequay2.com/files.asp

No new CGI but plenty of site plans, elevations and fluff.

Anyone got any news sbout when the Ballymore Temple Gate site will start? Rumour posted here was soon, but that was at the start of the year!

PJ1979

June 14th, 2007, 04:31 PM

Just my two pennies worth on the temple meads location.

The location near the dock was definitely beneficial, but the location would have largely been determined by the physical extent of the city at the time and the approach into bristol from London. Basically like the central stations in London! Therefore the central station was always likely to be located on the eastern edge of the city. The two front running locations at the time were Old Market off midland road and Temple Meads.

I agree that its location could be better in terms of its relationship with other parts of the central area. I guess that this has always been a concern for bristolians because they constructed Victoria street to link the centre with Temple meads better (a la Hausmann in Paris).

I think that a Tram link between Temple Meads and the centre as park of a city wide public transport network makes sense but i'm not sure how good a short dedicated link would be or how far it would be up my priority list compared to an airport link via south bristol or an improved Severn beach line! What do other people think?

I think its location is alright and will really help the central area expand in the long term and we are already starting to see this. The reason it seems remote is that Redcliffe is not vibrant enough or a destination like other parts of the central area, e.g. broadmead, Harbourside, Corn Street/historical Core.

Redcliffe and Temple are very centrally located and have alot of redevelopment potential. For me Temple Meads location simply reinforces the need and opportunity to make more of the location and potential of this area. The prospect is quite exciting really! rather than moving or linking Temple Meads back to the central destination quarters why not rebuild Redcliffe as a new destination quarter that happens to have the main trains station!

For me there are several key developments for the area which hopefully will happen in Phases building out from Queen Square, Bristol Bridge and Castle Park towards Temple Meads. The first routes are down Victoria Street and Temple back, including Finzels Reach, Mobius bridge, Redcliffe village, Civic Justice Centre, King Street Bridge, Hartwell house, Temple Back, 32-36 Victoria Street and hopefully Firestation/Temple Street and the norwich union building.

The third route includes The ambulance depot, GWR building, Temple Way house (Clerical Medical), Glassfields (IBM), The old Soap Works on Bread Street, Temple Quay 2 and hopefully The remaining site in Temple Quay 2 and the temple meads north car park.

The fourth is down Redcliffe Way, including Redcliffe Wharf, O & M Shed, Portwall lane, the down grading of Redcliffe way/new development, a new square in front of St Mary's and hopefully the island site.

These routes combined with developement south of Temple Meads at the Arena, Templegate, Post office Depot, and Pest control depot would result in a major change to this part of the city. As long as they get some vibrant uses and unique public spaces this area could be amazing!

Rant over PJ

Schmeek

June 14th, 2007, 06:10 PM

Wouldn't it be better,cheaper and simplier to just support the ferry service from Temple Meads to Bristol Bridge?

The 'centre' is moving towards Temple Meads anyway with the construction of Temple Quays. The 'City Centre' is only called that cos historically that's where the old Tram Depot was.

Well I do think the ferry service is great, and make use of it whenever I can. But it is has a few drawbacks in today's society. It is slow, and is not entirely comfortable in poor weather conditions. Have you ever been on it in the winter with icy winds and rain lashing you from the sides? It aint exactly a pleasant experiance. And remember quite a few people don't like being on the water at all!
I think the ferry alone is not capable of meeting todays demands. It can, however, still co-exist alongside an alternative form of transport IMO.

I realise the centre is moving towards the station(and you could also argue it is moving north and south aswell as the city develops in general)but I just think redcliffe and the commercial quarter with the temple quays might never quite be vibrant enough in the evnings to become thought of as centre 'proper'. Redcliffe has undergone a huge transformation recently but it seems to be entirely consisting of flats and apartments with the token convenience store, which are hardly the ingredients needed for a bustling scene.

I don't know maybe i'll be proven wrong, and hope I am, in the future with the opening(fingers crossed)of the arena and such. It's these venues of 'substance' afterall which create atmosphere and vibrancy by presenting a reason for large numbers of people to gather in the first place.

A tram would be a nice link also, but the main reason I cited the wateRail (might have to patent that!)was because it represents a clear and direct path with no obstructions.

PJ1979

June 15th, 2007, 03:43 PM

I think your views on Redcliffe, the ferry service and the location of Temple Meads are pretty spot on. Like you say, whilst welcomed the flats and offices built so far are a long way from achieving this goal. Generally Redcliffe and Temple Quay are dead after 6pm! It needs something else! Does anyone have any creative ideas on what is required to make the area more vibrant?

I think everyone would agree that more 24 hr actively and the new bridges are a given. An area or two of bars and restaurants in a well defined public spaces, such as a new square north of St Mary's and maybe an area where Temple Street Joins Victoria Street near the kings head could do the trick.

The crucial bit is getting something unique and distinctive. Forgetting the arena for a minute, what about building on the glass and earthen ware making history of the area by having something similar to Birmingham's Jewellery quarter! Some form of major leisure facility or spa complex or even a new distinctive city park!

An idea being discussed for redcliffe wharf is a market building. The image below shows Westmarks inital proposals for redevelopment that won them preferred developer status. The scheme is supposed to include a market hall building, affordable workspace, boat building space and commercial. Sounds like it could be a step in the right direction!

http://http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/958/redcliffewharfjo2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Schmeek

June 15th, 2007, 06:32 PM

^^ Yes I think markets are always good. And retaining some kind of boat building is a nice idea.

One thing which would be perfect for Redcliffe (IMO) is a china town. There's already the chinese supermarket and above restaurant, and it would be cool if the rest of the street and some of the surrounding streets were the same. I think the layout of Redcliffe is perfect for this kind of thing(the fact that it is bordered by the harbour kind of contains it), and would be a great reason for people to cross Bristol bridge in the evening. There are also a number of hotels in this area now, including the new 4* MacDonald house so a China town would attract businessmen and workers from the temple quays as well who use the hotels.

I remember someone on here saying a while back that the Bridewell island was earmarked as being a Chinatown, but don't know if it was pie in the sky? Anyway I think Redcliffe would be more suitable.

Delirium

June 16th, 2007, 12:28 AM

jjmacjj

June 18th, 2007, 01:43 PM

am i behind the times.... do we know about Portwall Tower?? Has it been built even??? Portwall Tower will provide 62,563 sq ft (5,812.1 sq m) net approx of high quality Grade A specification office accommodation arranged over ground and five upper floors together with a secure basement car park.

some pics anyhow..

location
http://www.portwallhouse.com/content/media/maps/street_lrg.jpg

http://www.portwallhouse.com/content/media/perspectives/portwall_lane_left.jpghttp://www.portwallhouse.com/content/media/perspectives/portwall_lane_right.jpg

http://www.portwallhouse.com/content/media/perspectives/pw2cs_left.jpghttp://www.portwallhouse.com/content/media/perspectives/pw2cs_right.jpg

http://www.portwallhouse.com/content/media/perspectives/canynge_left.jpghttp://www.portwallhouse.com/content/media/perspectives/canynge_right.jpg

Schmeek

June 18th, 2007, 02:31 PM

Looks fairly smart but why is it called a 'tower'? Could we be calling the industrial museum a tower as well then?

PJ1979

June 18th, 2007, 03:51 PM

^^I think that would be a good idea , but it doesn't even need to be a chinatown perhaps even just having Victoria street a long strip of restaurants and cafes etc. at least.
Give the street back some of its former glory in some form at least that way the main route for pedestrians to/from temple meads less barren, plus the area around the old temple church would make a good public space, that way you have extend a long continuous vibrant commercial strip from Baldwin street to the temple circus roundabout.

Hope the market idea pulls through.

I agree the area around Temple Church would be perfect, I've heard that the fire brigade have said that they are happy to move on to a smaller site and for the end of temple street to be pedestrianised. Surely this must be next! Bigger Cornubia beer garden here we come!

Portwall Tower! I like the tower/corner detail but the rest is pretty standard. Maybe the name is some reference to the actual Portwall defences?

Delirium

June 18th, 2007, 07:01 PM

That 'tower' building looks like a bad extension to be honest...

whats the area opposite (on St. Thomas street) going to be? it was an empty lot last time i was near there.

jjmacjj

June 19th, 2007, 08:14 AM

whats the area opposite (on St. Thomas street) going to be? it was an empty lot last time i was near there.

Do you mean 'Portwall Place'

http://www.portwallplace.co.uk/flash.html

http://www.acefolio.com/assets/arch/147/images/277/12_large.jpg

http://www.apspm.com/images/offdev/d36b.jpg

162000 sq ft development, 90000 sq ft pre let to Beachcroft Wansbroughs
under construction - completion (& Beachcroft move in) end of 2007!!!

The tower name of the Portwall Tower development probably refers to the Glass making Towers that were all over the place round here.... the restaurant in the hotel over the road is in the remains of one of these glass towers - they were pretty big & quite prominent on the skyline once upon a time... i seem to remember something about punitive taxes charged by Londoners on the Bristol industry killing it off & allowing the London glass making industry to flourish unopposed........ cheers then....

Delirium

June 19th, 2007, 11:44 AM

ah :cheers: thanks for the info.

well London is as London does :|

yogib52

June 19th, 2007, 07:45 PM

Both Portwall Place and Portwall Tower are actually two totally separate developments. I actually work in 100 Temple Street (The KPMG Building, which is shown as being attached to the Portwall Tower development) and a few years ago we had a memo go around the office saying that they were planning to knock down the squash courts which are attached to the back of the building and replace them with a second extension to the building (the building has already been extended back in 2001/2002). This has seemed to have died a death and we haven’t heard anymore about it. Maybe they are waiting until the Portwall Place development is finished (which I might add is coming on very well).

Kind Regards
Yogib52

Schmeek

June 19th, 2007, 10:35 PM

I really like the KPMG building. It thought it was very impressive the way they extended it a few years back, the fact it is very hard to tell the difference between old building and new. The framework is a very unique design, but whenever I pass it I think it is crying out for something to be built above - maybe a glass pyramid like was planned for the create centre a few years back. That would make it stand out a little more because at the moment it seems to go unnoticed on that side of temple circus.

Back to temple place. It seems to be taking for ever for the size of it. I would have thought the scaffolding would have come down by now...

By the way, has anyone seen 'theparagon.co.uk'?

Delirium

June 19th, 2007, 11:02 PM

where abouts is that? is it on that junction leading west to the fire station? (the counterslip i think the road is called).

If it is then its replacing a rather grotty building, But with that I have to say though that i really hope that Victoria street doesn't become a souless empty street devoid of people because its filled with things like these. (like it is now but you know what I mean) I just hope along with finzells reach it acts as a catalyst for good things to come.

Schmeek

June 20th, 2007, 06:12 PM

Yes that's the one. Well at least a spanking new office means lots of workers so we can hope they put plans in to give the workers things to do/places to go at lunch or in the evening after work (without them having to trapse across the bridge). I suppose there are a few pubs already like the shakespeare and the fleece, but a few cafes/shops wouldn't go amiss.

Schmeek

June 21st, 2007, 04:10 PM

This has already been commented on, but a new article on the Bristol Alliance site:

Bristol Alliance announces deal with hotel operator

22 May 2007
The Bristol Alliance, responsible for the £500 million redevelopment of the city''s central shopping area, has announced a deal with Future Inns to open a 150-bedroom hotel within the scheme.

The 90,000 sq ft hotel, which will be located on Bond Street South, will also offer a large conference facility, with capacity for up to 350 people, and a restaurant.

Bristol Alliance Project Director, Bob De Barr, said: ''We have selected Future Inns as our preferred hotel partner because we believe the concept is a great fit for the Bristol market and will prove very successful when the hotel opens in Autumn 2008.''

Following the success of Future Inns Canada, established in 1989, Canadian entrepreneurs Bruce and Del Brett launched the format in the UK in 2005. There are currently hotels in Cardiff and Plymouth and future target locations include Exeter, Southampton, Portsmouth, Manchester and Edinburgh.

Future Inns Property Director, Graham Stockman, commented: ''The Future Inns concept is based on offering our guests four star facilities at three star prices and fits very well with the current gap in the UK market. We anticipate our Bristol hotel being very popular with business users who will benefit from the combination of high quality bedrooms, flexible conferencing facilities and a full service restaurant.''

The designs were drawn up by Bristol-based architects, AWW, who were also responsible for the Future Inns hotels in Cardiff and Plymouth. Mark Alker Stone, Director of AWW and Project Architect for the new hotel, said:

''The building continues the modern style of the two other hotels and responds to the design philosophy for the Cabot Circus development. The large areas of glazing to the restaurant and entrance reception will provide a virtual link at street level. This contemporary approach will be reflected internally and will provide a high quality hotel for Bristol City Centre.''

The hotel is also good news for the Bristol tourism industry, offering a choice of seven conferencing rooms which can be combined to create a larger banqueting space or divided using de-mountable acoustic panels.

Bob De Barr added: ''The Future Inns signing is a further boost to the leisure element of our scheme, alongside existing tenants such as Cinema de Lux and Brasserie Blanc. By providing a mixture of uses at the heart of the city, Cabot Circus will significantly enhance Bristol''s night-time appeal and the city centre economy.''

In total, the development will provide over one million sq ft of high quality retail and leisure uses, as well as apartments, offices and public spaces. Commercial letting agents for the scheme are CB Richard Ellis.

yogib52

June 23rd, 2007, 12:33 AM

Something else new down by the river!!

http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=144913&command=displayContent&sourceNode=231190&home=yes&more_nodeId1=144922&contentPK=17633602

Delirium

June 23rd, 2007, 09:19 PM

omg! i was thinking how nice it would be if the feeder canal was regenerated/renovated etc etc.
Feeder road along the river is actually quite nice because of all the trees it makes it really serene.

Im glad i wasn't the only one who thought about this.

PJ1979

June 26th, 2007, 01:36 PM

It would be pretty impressive if they could get something going in this part of the city, but I can't help but feel that this site is not straightforward! It is really reliant on other sites adjacent taking off first e.g temple quay, Post of depot and the arena.

Also be very interesting to see what the Council's view on the loss of employment land will be in this location. In theory if if went ahead it could open up the mixed use redevelopment of all of St Philips, something the Council has been avoiding making a decision on for years!!!!

The whole area could be redeveloped and turned into a brand new inner district!

PJ1979

June 27th, 2007, 12:14 PM

PJ1979

June 27th, 2007, 04:28 PM

This the plan for the Bristol Urban Beach. I'm really interested in this, I think it will be a great edition for the summer. If its successful I hope it will become regular event or be found a permenant home

http://http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/5153/bristolbeachoc5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Schmeek

June 27th, 2007, 04:42 PM

Well we'd need a bit of sunshine to start with!

check this out it's from 1972 (Floyd Nello, Flickr).
You can see the marriot going up, and it looks like Castlemead is just about to get started as well. The clerical medical is another under construction. I find it fascinating to see all the change that has taken place in 25yrs.

http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=314165249&size=l

Schmeek

June 27th, 2007, 04:44 PM

oops that didn't seem to work, its http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=314165249&size=l

Delirium

June 28th, 2007, 06:44 AM

Amazing find (or are they yours? :dunno:) Bristol looks so barren and sparse looking!

Its really interesting to see where the 5102 and old sun alliance buildingby stokes croft were like back then, and looking at all the other areas and comparing them to what they look like now.

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w139/aubertonic/312903615_80c80066b8_b.jpg

And the area where the Galleries is now,
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w139/aubertonic/301205145_71fb7e9feb.jpg

I really prefer it now (not that i was alive back then, but you know what i mean), the post war years just look bleak.

also It's really surprising at just how much more greenery there is now in the centre.

Gee31

June 28th, 2007, 11:47 AM

Latest on the Arena in the Evening post today and RDA news page. The Evening post has changed their article since this morning putting a more negative angle on it.

http://www.southwestrda.org.uk/news/release.asp?ReleaseID=2063

http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=145365&command=displayContent&sourceNode=145191&contentPK=17670947&folderPk=83726&pNodeId=144922

I understand that the evening post have put a negitive angle on the project but SWRDA (the actual people behind it) say its secure... There would be a public outcry with the amount of money they have spent the site already if nothing substancial went on the site.. The partners are in place and they should start properly on site when the final decision is made i November... I personally hope it goes ahead...

BTW: I have been away in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand over the past 6 weeks or so and thats why have not posted much on SSC... Singapores skyline is awsome...

PJ1979

June 28th, 2007, 12:46 PM

Hope you had a good trip, I bet it was amazing!

I think your right, if the Arena was gonna die the death then the RDA would not be pumping money into the project at this point. Of all the developments in Bristol I'm particularly interested in this one as I live on the Bath Road and this area is currently a wilderness. I don't really get the complaints about all the taxpayers money! Personally its nice to see some of it spent of a decent piece of infrastructure rather than simply being consumed by the giant hoovers that are the NHS and welfare state system.

I really want to see the Ballymore Templegate development on site, Templemeads improvements and something happen with the Post office depot too!!

Schmeek

June 28th, 2007, 06:33 PM

Singapore is great(so clean!), but it kind of has something in common with Bristol - there is a limit on height to the buildings. Just theirs happens to be 1000ft instead of our eight storeys! Well at least I think Bristols height limits will be changing soon.

Yes, with the Arena, I think it's clear that SOMETHING will be happening on that site. They're just being careful not to 'guarantee' it being an actual arena that gets the nod(due to fears regarding public consultation etc), but the land will be cleaned up and infrastructure will be in place(roads/bridge)for whatever they might build there instead should the arena fail.

P.s. PJ if you live on the wells rd(not far from me in Totterdown actually), do you know what is happening with the site under the bridge next to Boconova?

clarky

June 28th, 2007, 07:02 PM

Gee31

June 28th, 2007, 07:32 PM

Delirium

June 28th, 2007, 09:12 PM

Thanks for posting those old photos helium i was quite young and couldn't remember what those buildings which were replaced by the Galleries in the bottom pic looked like.One of them was a giant woolworths thats all i remember.Any ideal the year those building were demolished?

ah but schmeek* provided the link :)

there was a plaque on the north entrance to the galleries and it said the place was opened sometime in 1989(?) i think, so im guessing the mid 80s is when they demolished fairfax house.

Thats right... The limit is 280m... Theres about 5/6 buildings at that height... The Singapore flyer is also coming along... Petronas twin towers are Bloody high... Really makes you feel small... I even went on the skybridge which was awsome...

And to think they're only around 2/3 the height of the burj dubai, but with that said the latter is actually quite narrow.

* of which i have no idea how to link from flickr, i just saved them to photobucket :ohno:

PJ1979

July 3rd, 2007, 12:17 PM

P.s. PJ if you live on the wells rd(not far from me in Totterdown actually), do you know what is happening with the site under the bridge next to Boconova?

I live just past the HTV on the Bath road (Sandy Park Road). I know the site your talking about as I walk past it most days, sorry but I have heard nothing. Late last year it was partially cleared, but since then nothing other than some travellers moving in for a while!

The second phase of Paintworks in progressing nicely and should look smart when its done. Interesting to see what takes the new retail unit near endemol.

Also the old Garage next to the Turnpike has permission for 4/3 storey flats and will hopefully start on site this year as the car dealer has gone and now there is some temporary carwash company.

The first Arena Article in the Post the other day talked about three pieces of land that the Council were chucking in with the development. One of those mentioned is the strip of land from the arena/three Lamps along the river towards the turnpike pub. Bit of tricky development site because some of it has almost a sheer drop into the river. This and the Kwikfit site will really help though as there will be so much more development on the Bath road reducing feeling of seperation between Totterdown and the City Centre and creating a more pedestrian friendly place to be!

Schmeek

July 3rd, 2007, 06:30 PM

I agree. Expansion in that direction is much needed. It is so cut off at the moment. As soon as you pass temple meads and cross the new cut, it feels you have left the city completely, which of course is far from the case.

It might also be a catalyst for a new transformation of the st. Phillips/industrial area. I realise cities need industrial estates, but when they stand in the way of centre expansion they are sometimes relocated. It was only a few years ago that redcliffe was industrial, whereas now it is fast becoming residential.

Ps will take my camera out tomorrow for some snaps of various developments.:)

yogib52

July 4th, 2007, 06:40 PM

Big Article in today's Evening Post about the new House of Fraser store, including an interview with the lead architect. The majority of the article is on this website (no pics I'm afraid).

http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=144913&command=displayContent&sourceNode=231190&home=yes&more_nodeId1=144922&contentPK=17730224

There is also going to be another 2 page article in tomorrows Post on the rest of the Cabot circus development.

Cheers
Yogib52

Schmeek

July 5th, 2007, 07:16 PM

Cheers Yogi. Here's today's;
http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=145365&command=displayContent&sourceNode=145191&contentPK=17742245&folderPk=83726&pNodeId=144922

I like the talk of different themes running between the different areas, but think they have to be careful that they don't lose the fusion as well. You only have to look to Plymouth to see an example of over complication. There are about 3 completely different designs all locked together within about a hundred yards, and it looks a mess. It's great to see bold ideas/designs but they should have concentrated on just one, because together they look at odds with each other.

Overall though, I think CC might turn out quite smart.

jjmacjj

July 7th, 2007, 03:22 AM

Couple of pdf links taken from the site that jrb posted soemwhere else... LAke shore is gonna be spectacular!!!!!

Lake shore
http://www.arplus.com/MIPIM/entries/entries/130/130a.pdf

Broadmead offices
http://www.arplus.com/MIPIM/entries/entries/66/66.pdf

jjmacjj

July 7th, 2007, 03:29 AM

whilst i'm at it - the new development around the SS great Britain is due to start next week..... 30million quids worth of apartments (& some exhibition / museum) space around the old dockyards..... should be interesting

http://www.stridetreglown.co.uk/Architecture/images/residential/greatwdock.jpg
http://www.stridetreglown.co.uk/Architecture/images/residential/greatwdock148a.jpg
http://www.stridetreglown.co.uk/Architecture/images/residential/greatwdock148b.jpg

Blurb....
"The footprint of this scheme consists of three simple plan form residential buildings, fronted by and interlinked with smaller two storey buildings, orientated with reference to the historic grain of the site, providing permeability and variety to the overall built form and thus respecting the cultural significance of the site and ship. This approach reduces the impact of any built form on the SS Great Britain and ensures a suitable backdrop to the ship.

The largest of the buildings stands at six storeys and occupies the footprint of the Steamship Engine Works (SEW) and contains space on the ground floor for the ss Great Britain Trust as well as residential accommodation. Its elevational treatment reflects the English Heritage drawings that illustrate how the SEW looked based on photographic evidence. The residential accommodation is arranged around an internal atrium with a glazed canopy over to allow the original SEW footprint to be reformed whilst producing suitable depth single aspect apartments.

The second and third buildings on the site remain set back in relation to the SEW toward the southern boundary.

The two-storey ‘Brunel Institute’ accommodation fronts Building Two to reduce its scale at the dockside. It is proposed that this Trust space will be a simple interpretation of an appropriate workshop building type, similar to Brunel’s Severn Shed, creating a flexible space that can be used by the Trust for a variety of public education functions.

The use of deep-reveal fenestration openings is to be incorporated in all buildings, and a limited palette of materials to include random stone, brick, timber and glass is being pursued."

jjmacjj

July 7th, 2007, 05:56 AM

&... as if all that wasn't enough for one day...

Reserved Matters are in for buildings 5&6 at harbourside

http://e2edocs.bristol-city.gov.uk/WAM/findCaseFile.do?appName=planning&appNumber=07/01975/M

The Design Statement has got a ton of good stuff (if you like that type of thing)

the idea is to create a 'wall of glass' along anchor road, as started by @Bristol, to reflect the Cathedral etc...

http://www.stridetreglown.co.uk/Architecture/images/offices/harbourside6-1.jpg

Gee31

July 7th, 2007, 02:20 PM

The SS Great Britain project will be great and along with the £20million new museum it will lift the whole area...

Dont think i'll be buying any of the apartments that are being built as the starting prices are from £500k (For Groundfloor 1 bed) to £1.5million+ (for 2 bed Penthouse)... Also I have been informed that 85% of the apartments have been sold on Plans... Damn house prices, even with the interest rates rising theres still no chance of buying for us normal people...!

Schmeek

July 7th, 2007, 07:02 PM

Some good stuff there. Great to see the dilapidated area around the ss GB finally getting a small make over. And the Plans for the buildings in front of the new car park at newfoundland st. look like a quality design.

Here's some photo updates.
Former Bristol and West site.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa272/Berbaking/DSC01619.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa272/Berbaking/DSC01617.jpg
Anchor store Cabot circus with glass panelling going on.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa272/Berbaking/DSC01616.jpg
From New Bond st.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa272/Berbaking/DSC01613.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa272/Berbaking/DSC01610.jpg
From Castlemead showing part of the new roof structure.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa272/Berbaking/DSC01608.jpg
Student accommodation nearing completion on Bond st.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa272/Berbaking/DSC01607.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa272/Berbaking/DSC01606.jpg
Steel frame emerging near finzel's.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa272/Berbaking/DSC01604.jpg
Temple quay2
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa272/Berbaking/DSC01602.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa272/Berbaking/DSC01600.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa272/Berbaking/DSC01598.jpg

bristolboy

July 7th, 2007, 07:43 PM

Great pictures of new developments keep them coming.
By the way has anyone seen the the crescent building on the harbourside lately? They have painted it a horrible green colour It looks like it would'nt be out of place in barton hill. Tacky as hell. Im really dissapointed in what crest have done down there.

jjmacjj

July 8th, 2007, 02:46 AM

Great photos Schmeek....... much appreciated!!

Schmeek

July 11th, 2007, 05:26 PM

Looks like they've started work on the 'Beach'. The sand has arrived and I think they're constructing the food outlets etc....

No pic this time but will try and get one if anyone's interested.

Gee31

July 11th, 2007, 11:30 PM

A long-awaited museum for Concorde could finally be a step closer.
Bristol-based trustees of the supersonic aircraft announced they were applying for permission to build on land near Filton airfield.

The cost of a new home for the plane that was grounded four years ago is put at around £12m.

If plans are approved, it will be a futuristic home for the plane and on land next door to the Mall Shopping centre at Cribbs Causeway.

Money will be raised through sponsorship, grants and donations from businesses.

The supersonic 200ft airliner will be the centrepiece of the attraction with exhibits, displays, a shop and cafe.

Concorde 216 made its final flight in November 2003 when it flew back to Filton where it was originally built.

An application for outline planning permission is to be submitted to South Gloucestershire Council.

If permission is granted the Concorde Museum could be open in three years.

Oliver Deardon, of the Concorde Trust, told BBC News: "There's a lot of work been going on behind the scenes and this will all come together in about two months' time when the outline planning application is submitted."

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42246000/jpg/_42246212_concorde_design.jpg