News / Development
Green light given to build Bristol’s tallest building
Gateway 2 approval has been granted for a major development which will become the tallest building in Bristol.
The mixed-use scheme at Haymarket near the Bearpit, known as St James Sqaure, will deliver 442 student beds in a 28-storey tower and 150 co-living units in an 18-storey building.
With the Gateway 2 approval already in place, construction is set to start immediately.
Under the Building Safety Act 2022, all high-rise buildings must secure Gateway 2 approval before construction can begin.
The new development will deliver the tallest building in Bristol – photo: Olympian Homes
Both towers will feature communal roof terraces, lounges, gyms, cinema rooms and co-working spaces.
The project, led by Olympian Homes in partnership with Cain and RG Group, is set to build on the site of the former Premier Inn, which was demolished after receiving planning consent in March 2024.
The previous 20-storey Brutalist building had dominated the Bristol skyline since the 1970s and was converted into a hotel in 1999.
Before being made into a hotel it was used as offices for Avon County Council.
Rising up to almost 100 metres, the building will stand a short walk from Broadmead and Bristol bus station, in an area already home to several student accommodation schemes.
Work is already underway at St James Square development overlooking the Bearpit and Broadmead – photo: Milan Perera
Developers said the plans include 2,150 sq. m. of public realm improvements, including a kiosk, public cafe, a park connecting to St James’ Park and an access route to Bristol bus station.
The scheme was not without its critics. As Bristol 24/7 reported in April 2024, the Bristol Civic Society described the planning permission as having been granted on “shaky grounds”.
Olympian said the Gateway 2 approval was achieved through a collaborative process with the Building Safety Regulator’s innovation unit, which helped accelerate the application timeline.
The 20-storey Brutalist edifice, which was turned into a hotel in 1999, dominated the Bristol skyline for over 50 years before being demolished – photo: Martin Booth
Mark Slatter, chairman of Olympian, said: “Olympian Homes continues to advance its growth strategy despite a challenging market, remaining focused on the acquisition and redevelopment of high-quality urban sites that deliver long-term value and support meaningful regeneration.”
The development is expected to be completed by mid-2028.
The mixed-use scheme at Haymarket near the Bearpit, known as St James Sqaure, will deliver 442 student beds in a 28-storey tower and 150 co-living units in an 18-storey building – photo: Olympian Homes
Main photo: Olympian Homes
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