Architecturally proud historic city destined for more destruction
YOUR report (New landmark tall tower planned for city centre, Post, August 26) informed us of the likely demolition of the Heart FM Radio building opposite the Bridge Inn on Passage Street.
In its place there are, it seems, proposals for a 13-storey office block, which according to your article will: “...include a restaurant on the tenth floor offering ‘dining space with panoramic views across Bristol’s harbour out to the west.’”
Apparently, it will share the dubious distinction of being the tallest building in Bristol’s city centre, along with another near completed abomination named Castle Park View, which is reported to be some 98.37 metres (above ordinance data) high. Thus our once architecturally proud historic city seems destined for continuing destruction, courtesy of Mayor Marvin Rees’ loosening of planning regulations.
In my biased Bristolian opinion the city once had a reputation for considering proposed new buildings within symbiotic abilities to merge in with their surroundings.
Not anymore, for the ugly concrete block Castle Park View building is an outstanding outrage of total planning ineptitude when juxtaposed against the acres of grass in Castle Park.
The oft claimed advantages of panoramic views from the top floors of such buildings are, I suspect, anathema to ground level Bristolians, who continue to see their city destroyed for the highflying nouveau riche.
There are of course cities that have not eagerly sold out to high rise ‘developers.’ One such being York, where bye-laws say that no structure should be higher than the [York] Minster. Perhaps Bristol’s councillors should enact bye-laws that also take into account the height/skyline of St Mary Redcliffe Church in relation to the inner-city.
Bristol under Marvin Rees will I suspect continue to see its skyline dominated by high-rise offices/ flats/rooftop restaurants ad infinitum.
Furthermore, I would claim that while he has successfully climbed the very high greasy pole of civic leadership, what little remains of historic Bristol will eventually be lost forever.
R L Smith Knowle