Landmark chimneys saved in Fishponds development

Landmark chimneys have been saved in a planned development in Fishponds. The proposals for Filwood House and Verona House have been shaped by community feedback who wanted the chimneys retained.

The Filwood House and Verona House site in Fishponds have been redesigned to retain and celebrate the two 1960s chimneys, once part of a wax paper factory that sat on the site almost 100 years ago.

These local landmarks will be the central feature of a new, green public square with space for local markets, pop-up events, play space and places to meet.

Robinson Waxed Paper Company acquired the space in 1929

The new plans see the tallest buildings reduced from 13 to six storeys to be more in keeping with existing neighbourhoods and sit below the height of the chimneys.

This reduces the number of homes proposed to up to 380 – ranging from one-bed flats to family homes – and reduces pressure on local roads.

The site has been identified by Bristol City Council as being suitable for new homes and forms part of a wider redevelopment area known as Atlas Place.

The three landowners who are involved in regenerating Atlas Place are collaborating to make sure the proposals work together. Additional community facilities will be integrated into the wider proposals for Atlas Place.

Locals have previously urged the council to bring forward a masterplan for the three sites that make up Atlas Place, with concerns over changes to road networks and fears of extra pressure on traffic and parking, as well as heights of the buildings.

Over 2,000 homes could be built in total.

The other two sites in Atlas Place are the Castel Ltd site now to be known as the Timber Mills, on Goodneston Road and the former site of Graphic Packaging International based on Filwood Road.

Artist’s impression of the updated proposals for Filwood House and Verona House in Fishponds

The proposals for the Filwood House and Verona House site continue to create an ecologically and environmentally conscious neighbourhood on this brownfield industrial site.

New green community spaces will create places where people can sit, gather and plays.

Limiting the impact on the local roads and creating new safe pedestrian and cycling routes to link existing and new community facilities is also central to the proposals.

The opportunity to create a future link to the Bristol and Bath Railway Path is also being discussed with Sustrans and the council.

Adam Scott-Avis, a spokesperson for developers Central Fishponds Ltd, said: “The feedback we received on our initial designs was important to help us shape the plans and understand what is most important to people in the area.

“We’re asking people for their thoughts and ideas so we can further refine the plans before we submit a planning application to Bristol City Council.

“We’re especially keen to get community input on how we can best celebrate the heritage of the area, shape new public spaces, walking and cycling routes and make sure the new neighbourhood feels safe and welcoming for everyone.”

Filwood and Verona House, sits at the north east corner of Atlas Place and is bordered by the Bristol and Bath Railway Path to the north, Filwood Road to the west and Forest Road to the east.

Public consultation took place in 2023 for a joint masterplan across Atlas Place, with all three landowners working together to create a cohesive strategy for redevelopment.

To find out more about the plans and share feedback and ideas please visit www.filwoodverona.co.uk the team can also be reached at info@filwoodverona.co.uk.

A pop-up information event will also be taking place at Straits Parade, off Fishponds Road, on Saturday, April 5 (10am – 2pm).

Main photo: Meeting Place

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