News / Architecture
Castle Park View architect: ‘I’d like to say it fits respectfully in the skyline’
One of the leading architects behind the controversial Castle Park View has defended the tower, saying that “it’s very easy to criticise, it’s a bit harder to actually move forward”.
Nick Thursby, a director at global architectural practise Chapman Taylor, said that he is “extremely proud of the building”.
“It’s really no taller than some of its neighbouring buildings here. I’d like to say that it fits respectfully in the skyline.
“And hopefully in years to come it will just blend in naturally and it won’t be something people talk about.”
Listen to more from Nick Thursby in the latest episode of the Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
Castle Park View is made up of a cluster of buildings, with the 26-storey tower part of the development made up of 375 new homes.
Thursby said that Bristol “is a significant city and it should have the density to go with that. We owe it to ourselves, to our children, the next generation to build on these locations.”
He added: “In the right location with the right design and the right approach, then there is no reason why you couldn’t replicate this sort of height – 20 to 30 storeys – in other locations… it would be wrong of us not to do that.”
Thursby said that he and his architectural colleagues have been inspired by Bristol mayor Marvin Rees’ ambitions to build up and be progressive.
“We can design some tall buildings that are sympathetic and everybody’s happy with…
“We hope that Marvin’s approach and support filters down through the city council (and) through the planning department.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read more: Men in hi-vis gather on top of Bristol’s tallest residential tower
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