A huge new block of student flats with 260 beds has been given planning permission in St Phillip’s. The six-storey block of flats will be built in an industrial area east of Temple Meads that’s been earmarked for massive regeneration projects over the next few years.
Bristol City Council granted planning permission to developers Watkin Jones and Merrion on Wednesday, November 16, after hearing how student flats would cater for the rapidly expanding University of Bristol. The university is planning to open a new campus nearby.
The scheme will be built on Gas Lane, near Silverthorne Lane, on a site which is currently home to a car repair workshop, office space and a car park, which would be demolished to make room for the new development. Surrounding pavements and roads will be upgraded.
Read more: Bristol Zoo plans approved for 62 new homes on former staff car park
Speaking to the development control A committee, Fergus Sykes, from developers Watkin Jones, said: “The proposals include significant highways improvements to Gas Lane, Freestone Road and the Dings tunnel. Our proposals offer an immediately deliverable solution to kickstart regeneration here and we intend to get on site within six months.”
The plans include a roof terrace, courtyard, lounge and social spaces. The building would connect to the district heat network, and would have solar panels on the roof. The flats will be near the new Temple Quarter campus planned by the university, behind Temple Meads.
Roads and pavements in the area would be improved, with a new cycle lane on Gas Lane, a new pedestrian crossing, new pavements on Freestone Road, and the tunnel to the Dings Park would be cleared out of rubbish and fly-tipping and a new light would be installed.
While the site is at risk of flooding, new defence works are planned in the area. During a flood, residents would leave the building and walk along a raised footpath to the Dings tunnel. Other regeneration projects in the wider area include a new secondary school on Silverthorne Lane, and hundreds more student beds near the Motion nightclub.
Liberal Democrat Councillor Andrew Varney said: “Although it’s far from perfect, the highways improvements and new pedestrian route are to be welcomed. There’s obviously a need for more purpose-built student accommodation in the area bearing in mind the new university campus, and it will take pressure off the existing housing stock.”
