News / Society
BRI building under threat of demolition
Objections have been raised over plans to demolish an 18th century hospital building and replace it with an 800-bed block of student flats.
BRI bosses want to vacate the Old Building on Marlborough Street in 2016, triggering a redevelopment with new flats and a possible medical school.
But Bristol Civic Society said: “This large and important city centre site merits uses that are more inventive than a mass of student accommodation.”
The BRI has not released details of the plans yet, but the Civic Society says the development is likely to be eight storeys, with between 800-835 rooms.
The society added: “The 18th century façade and forecourt form a substantial and distinguished element in the street scape.
“The Charity Universal façade displays 200 years of development of the hospital; it is a source of civic pride.
“Only a narrow commercial attitude towards its public assets would propose the erection of an ‘anywhere’ utility student accommodation block to replace a heritage asset.”
University Hospitals Trust, who run the BRI, said all offices and clinics will be moved out of the building next year.
Deborah Lee, deputy chief executive added: “The Old Building site and structures will then be surplus to our requirements. The 0.7 hectare site includes a number of buildings and services; none of the structures are listed as of significant architectural or historical note.
“We are currently preparing the Old Building for sale or lease, and as part of this process we are working with Bristol City Council on a range of development options for the site which include both student accommodation and a medical school. Any proposals for the future redevelopment of the site will be discussed with the local community through the planning process as is our usual approach.”
Main picture from Google. Second picture by Millie Morris.