First look at ‘vibrant’ vision for eyesore site
DEVELOPERS have shared their vision to turn an “ugly” corner of a city centre site into a “vibrant and bustling” destination.
MEPC has published details and first-look CGI images for the St Mary le Port site at Castle Park, Bristol, which is a cluster of three eyesore buildings surrounding a ruined church tower.
The proposed transformation would repair the tower and open up the ruins to the public, as well as creating three new office buildings with independent retailers, cafes, restaurants, and bars at ground level.
Three city centre streets – Adam and Eve Lane, Cheese Market and the historic Mary le Port Street – that were lost during the Bristol Blitz would be reinstated, creating new pedestrian routes and opening up a new views of the ruined tower and St Peter’s Church.
One of the office buildings will take inspiration from the Dutch House, a large timber-framed landmark building that stood on the site prior to its destruction during the 1940 bombings.
The entrance to Castle Park from Bristol Bridge would be improved, while the landscaped terrace on the south side of the park would be extended.
Roz Bird, commercial director of MEPC, said: “We feel privileged to have the chance to create something really special and unique for Bristol in this key location – somewhere people can shop, share good food, experience art and cultural events, hang out, or simply explore St Mary le Port Tower, Castle Park and the Floating Harbour.
“We know that people have waited a long time to see this site rejuvenated.”
The site comprises the church tower, Bank House, Bank of England House and Norwich Union House, which sit on the edge of the park next to Wine Street and High Street.
They have already been subject to several failed development proposals over the years, with one particularly controversial plan in 2008 attracting protests and a public inquiry.
MEPC said it has already had “extensive” conversations in the past year with Bristol City Council and community representatives to come up with a plan people can agree on, and it is now seeking feedback from the wider public.
A consultation was launched yesterday before it submits a planning application, and people can share their opinions via the developer’s website.
The developer’s website describes the buildings as being “derelict for many years” and “left behind for decades”.
It feels its proposal will create a “vibrant new destination that will combine Bristol’s contemporary culture with its rich history and heritage”.
MEPC said the three main buildings will “champion environmental sustainability” and will be “individually designed taking into consideration the area’s historic identity”.
Friends of Castle Park, a volunteer group working to preserve and enhance the important green space, has welcomed the proposal.
Its members said in a statement: “The historic but neglected St Mary le Port has been a sad story for many decades, with several schemes being brought forward but failing to materialise.
“The excitement is at ground level where MEPCs proposals focus on rescuing St Mary le Port Tower and opening up the entire area to create a new bustling place with independent shops, cafes, restaurants and bars.
“The developer is also introducing new links to Castle Park with a nod to local history by bringing back the streets that we lost in the Bristol Blitz.
“As Friends of Castle Park, we especially like the attention to the park, with a whole new area of open space around St Mary le Port Tower and down to the Floating Harbour planned.”