News / Castle Park
Demolition begins at notorious eyesore buildings
One of Bristol’s most notorious eyesores is being reduced to rubble.
Demolition has begun on the edge of Castle Park just over a year since fencing was erected around the site and more than four years since planning permission was granted for a scheme in one of the most historic corners of Bristol.
The St Mary le Port development will replace three buildings facing Wine Street and High Street: Norwich Union House, the Bank of England offices and Bank House.
The start of demolition work is taking place on the Wine Street side of Mary le Port Street – photo: Martin Booth
When the new development is completed, the tower of the ruined St Mary le Port church will be surrounded by shops, cafes, restaurants and bars on the ground floor and 340,000 sq ft of offices across three separate buildings.
Plans were approved in December 2021 despite concerns the “massive” buildings will overshadow Castle Park and overwhelm the Old City.
One of the tallest buildings in the development is meant to hark back to the days of the Dutch House on the site – image: MEPC
Learn more about the history of the Old City and Castle Park on a walking tour with Martin Booth. For more information and to book, visit www.yuup.co/experiences/explore-bristol-s-quirkiest-corners
Main photo: Martin Booth
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