Bristol Live readers are not impressed to hear that plans for a 28 storey tower at one of Bristol’s main entry points look likely to be approved after receiving backing from council planners.
The proposed ‘Cabot Gate’ scheme would include two buildings, a 28 storey tower and a smaller 10 storey block, on land currently used as a car hire site next to the Cabot Circus car park entrance. The development would provide up to 600 student rooms, along with a ground floor community space that could be used by a local youth organisation. Councillors are set to make a final decision next week, with planning officers recommending approval.
Although the plans have attracted some objections and concerns from groups like Historic England and the Environment Agency, planners say the overall benefits outweigh the impact, particularly given the site’s location between key regeneration areas.
The project, led by Hammerson and AXA IM, also includes a new café, improved walking and cycling routes, and a community hub. Developers would contribute around £3.5 million towards local infrastructure through the Community Infrastructure Levy.
The taller tower is designed as a landmark building marking the entrance to the city, while the smaller building would include space for community use, potentially for a youth club.
Supporters say the development would bring investment and much needed facilities, while also helping to address the lack of safe spaces for young people in the area.
Commenter Tony G asks: “How about affordable housing for working class Bristolians?”
Duncan G agrees:”There are already hundreds of student accommodation units sitting empty. It feels like they’re only being built now so they can change their use later on.”
Anna M points out: “There is no motivation for property developers and their shareholders to invest and provide housing for the homeless.”
Suzanne A wonders: “Why? There are already 442 planned at the James Varyon roundabout, plus huge blocks going up around St Philips Causeway, Temple Meads, and Old Market, not to mention more at the UWE campus. With all that, and existing student housing in Clifton, do the universities really need this much more?”
Bob T replies: “Is BCC prioritising future students over the people already on the housing list? It certainly feels that way. And is this the kind of decision that could be reversed if a different leadership came into power?”
George L says: “It’s a major regeneration project, and the Galleries definitely needs it, but it also means another 600 student flats on top of everything else already planned. You’ve got around 300 at the NCP site, 600 at the Bear Pit, and more than 1,000 around Temple Meads. It does make you wonder if the University of Bristol is planning to take on even more students. If that’s the case, has anyone factored in the impact on things like NHS waiting lists with another 2,000 plus students coming into the city? Traffic is already a constant problem too, so adding more people is only going to increase the pressure. Have the council really considered all of this before approving so many student developments?”
Claire H complains: “More students studying pointless degrees and still won’t get a job at the end of it and end up in debt. Do an apprenticeship and learn a trade. Unis don’t care about you, it’s just a money making business these days!”
Nicholas C believes: “No thanks, it feels like it’s all about bringing students into the city to spend their loans for a year or two, then move on while the next group comes in and does the same. Meanwhile, people who are struggling to find somewhere to live don’t seem to be a priority.”
Emma N agrees: “What about focusing on giving homeless people somewhere to live, and helping those stuck in damp, mouldy homes? It feels like students are being prioritised too much, and that doesn’t seem right.”
Edward T retorts: “What people often overlook is that this could actually help ease the housing problem, as it means students are less likely to take up other types of housing elsewhere.”
Andy C says: “Exactly what Bristol doesn’t need, more bland, lego buildings going up everywhere with no character. They all end up looking the same and do nothing to improve the feel of the city.”
Should landmark sites like this be used for high rise student housing, or should they be prioritised for wider community use and mixed housing? Have your say in our comments section.