News / Development
Car park could be turned into student housing
Developers hope that demolishing a city centre car park and building hundreds of new student flats in its place will “revitalise” the area surrounding the site.
The Nelson Street NCP car park – which also borders All Saints Lane, Fairfax Street and the Pithay – could be replaced with around 300 rooms as well as two new ground floor spaces.
It means that the long-term future is now extremely perilous for existing businesses on the car park’s ground floor including music and events venue Strange Brew and Chinese restaurant Fresh Bakery.
The proposals from student accommodation provider Downing also include the addition of a new bus lane on Fairfax Street, and new walking and cycle routes.
The car park on Nelson Street also borders All Saints Lane, Fairfax Street and the Pithay – photo: Josie Marchant
Martin Fenlon, associate projects director of Downing, said that “Bristol needs more homes”.
Fenlon said: “Its student population is growing, universities are expanding and housing crisis urgently needs addressing.
“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.”
The developers hope to repurpose the ‘unwelcoming’ site – photo: Downing
Fenlon added: “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.
“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.”
A public consultation process to discuss the plans is open until November 10.
Developers’ plans include “enhanced green spaces to create vibrant, welcoming activity and improve how the area feels” – image: Downing
Main image: Downing
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