A 22-storey student tower near Temple Meads is likely to receive approval soon
Bristol: A new student tower is on the horizon! This 22-storey building will offer 531 rooms right next to Temple Meads station. Exciting, right?
The city council’s planning officers are backing the project from Cubex, even though they have some concerns about how it will look. They’re set to meet next Wednesday to make the final call.
If approved, this will add to the growing number of student accommodations in the area, which has seen nearly 4,739 new spaces in recent years. That’s a lot of students!
Location-wise, it’s perfect for those attending the new Bristol University Temple Quarter campus. It’s just a hop away from the new pedestrian bridges over the River Avon, making it super convenient.
Interestingly, a waste transfer company currently on the site will relocate if the plans go through. Plus, the developers promise to put in flood defenses and create public access to the riverside path. Sounds like a win-win!
The planning officers believe this site can handle a high density of students, which aligns with the city’s goals for efficient land use. It’s all about supporting the university and the Temple Quarter area.
They also mentioned that the project would connect to the district heat network and improve the public space around it. There’s even talk of adding more greenery and habitats, which is great for the environment.
However, not everything is perfect. Some concerns were raised about the lack of employment space and the overall design. Historic England noted that while the new tower might impact the historic buildings nearby, they won’t object since it fits in with the taller buildings being built in the area.
But they did emphasize the need for a design strategy for the St Philip’s Marsh area to ensure future developments are cohesive and respectful of the local character.
So, we’ll have to wait until next Wednesday to see what the councillors decide!
