The NCP car park is currently ‘underused’ say developers
Artist’s impression of a proposed PBSA development for 300 students on the site of Nelson Street multi-storey car park in Bristol City Centre(Image: Downing)
This is the first look at the latest major student accommodation proposal in Bristol – this time replacing a multi-storey car park in the heart of the city centre. Developers who bought the Nelson Street NCP car park have begun the process of consulting with residents and businesses nearby, ahead of submitting a full planning application in the New Year.
Development firm Downing say the Nelson Street car park is ‘underused’, and they bought the site two years ago with plans to demolish and redevelop it. The plans are for a Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) complex housing around 300 students, as well as new ground floor spaces that could be shops or businesses.
The plans also include a new bus lane on Fairfax Street – the road that goes from Nelson Street under The Galleries – and new pavements and cycle lanes around the area.
“Bristol needs more homes,” said Martin Fenlon, from developers Downing. “Its student population is growing, universities are expanding and the housing crisis urgently needs addressing,” he added.
“Building more student homes – homes that are well-maintained and well-located – is one way we can keep up with this demand and free up some of the family homes students tend to occupy.
Artist’s impression of a proposed PBSA development for 300 students on the site of Nelson Street multi-storey car park in Bristol City Centre(Image: Downing)
“Nelson Street is an exciting opportunity to maximise the potential of an underused, unwelcoming previously developed ‘brownfield’ site to create a place for students to live, socialise and integrate sustainably and in the heart of the city,” he said.
The Nelson Street NCP car park in Bristol City Centre(Image: Google Maps)
“Increased footfall from more people living here and a more welcoming environment will support local businesses and help to revitalise the area.
We’re engaging with local communities to understand what people think of the proposals, what they might like to see on the ground floor space and their priorities for new student homes in the area,” he added.
Artist’s impression of a proposed PBSA development for 300 students on the site of Nelson Street multi-storey car park in Bristol City Centre – the view from the corner where Rough Trade record store is(Image: Downing)
The plans to demolish one of the city centre’s main multi-storey car parks come after permission was given to demolish the Rupert Street multi-storey to make way for more student flats and ‘Co-living’ accommodation. Plans to demolish The Galleries multi-storey car park nearby, as well as the shopping centre itself, are still awaiting a decision at City Hall.