Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Civic officials back plan for Soapworks site
CONTROVERSIAL plans to regenerate a landmark Bristol building and build a 20-storey apartment block nearby have been recommended for approval.
The £175 million scheme to transform the Soapworks building in Old Market, formerly home to Gardiner Haskins, has gained the support of Bristol City Council officials despite objections from key consultees.
They have advised the council’s Development Control Committee, which is due to decide on the application at a meeting on Wednesday, to approve it subject to referral to the Secretary of State.
A report published by council officers ahead of the meeting reads: “Members will need to balance the benefits of the development against the undoubted harm that would result from the proposal.
“The proposal will provide muchneeded housing, including affordable housing, will preserve the primary heritage asset on the site, and will deliver significant improvements to the public realm and residential routes.”
It has been more than a year since developer First Base submitted the proposal, and several revisions have been made since.
It intends to construct two new buildings and restore the existing Grade II-listed Soapworks building, providing a mix of modern workspace, new homes, cafes, restaurants and green spaces.
The current plan includes 243 flats, a food and drinks hall, retail, leisure and commercial space and 15,503 sqm of business space.
The alternative 166-home option would replace many of the flats with an apart-hotel, as per the original proposal, but the pandemic has jeopardised the viability of that scheme.
During the developer’s own consultation in 2019, which received about 6,000 responses, more than 80 per cent were said to support the proposals.
However, several prominent consultees objected during the council’s planning consultation.
Bristol Civic Society said it is in favour of redeveloping the site but raised concerns about the proposal, including that the “20 storey tower overdevelops the site” and “would dominate the listed building”.
The Conservation Advisory Panel, a group of representatives from various national and Bristol-based heritage organisations and societies, also objected to the “over-intensive development” and said it represented “a classic example of ‘anywhere architecture’ that does not relate to the quality of its context”.
Historic England also objected and called for “a design that better sustains the conservation of the historic buildings”, fearing that the Soap Pan building “would no longer be considered as the focal building and centrepiece”.
The council’s conservation adviser labelled parts of the plan “excessive, clumsy and overbearing” while its City Design Group said “the proposed building height is not justified and will pose harm to heritage assets”.
However, several charities, organisations and neighbouring residents wrote in support of the plans.
Destination Bristol was among them, and described the area as “currently unwelcoming and unattractive and in need of regeneration”.
While acknowledging the “complex considerations”, council officers felt that the proposal would make a “vibrant contribution to the area” and “will provide significant benefits” including much-needed housing. Their report concluded: “Officers are now of the view that the benefits of the development outweigh the harm identified, and can be supported.”
Due to the objection from Historic England, if the committee passes the plan, it will have to be referred to the Secretary of State for a potential callin.
If the committee approves the plan and it is not called in within 21 days, approval will be granted.
Lucinda Mitchell, project director at First Base, said: “We are delighted that our plans to bring the Soapworks back to life have been recommended for approval.
“Our proposals will create new jobs, homes and community amenities, supporting Bristol’s inclusive and sustainable recovery.
“I’d like to thank the local community for their support and for helping us shape these plans.”