News / planning
Planning submitted for ‘revitalising’ co-living scheme
Planning has been submitted for a new development that is expected to transform a former office block, which has been disused for some time.
Located at St John’s Gate, facing New Cut, this scheme aims to provide affordable housing for key workers and young professionals in Bristol.
Designed by Alec French Architects, the development will be situated in a brownfield area at the corner of St John’s Road and Coronation Street, near the Asda car park in Bedminster.
The proposal includes 113 one-bedroom studio apartments, alongside shared living spaces such as kitchens, lounges, a gym, and co-working areas.
The proposed scheme is nestled between St John’s Road and Coronation Road
The project will replace a 1950s office block and other unused structures, which have been described as an “eyesore” by some.
Louis Lane, associate director at Alec French architects, highlighted that the St John’s Gate co-living development addresses Bristol’s shortage of affordable housing in the city centre.
“It will provide affordable, high-quality rental accommodation for key workers and young professionals, which is in urgent demand in the city,” said Lane.
“Co-living developments help tackle a growing challenge in cities like Bristol, where rising land values and increasing development costs make it harder for essential workers to live in the city centre.”
Lane also noted that the redevelopment would revitalise an “unattractive site”, enhancing the urban landscape and providing passive security to Lucky Lane with the transformation of a brownfield site into appealing, sustainable homes.
The proposal includes 113 one-bedroom studio apartments, alongside shared living spaces such as kitchens, lounges, a gym, and co-working areas
The planning application is being submitted on behalf of Land & Buildings, who are jointly developing the site with the current owner, Castlemead. The site owners explained that the existing office block no longer meets tenant needs due to inadequate entrances, poor insulation, and inefficient heating.
Sustainability is a key focus of the new development, with a goal of reducing carbon emissions by 58 percent, well above the council’s required 20 percent reduction.
The building will feature sustainable design elements, including communal gardens, rooftop terraces, bike storage, and a connection to the Bristol Heat Network for low-carbon heating.
The developers believe the new scheme will encourage community collaboration and foster social interaction, as the office block is situated in a predominantly residential area with limited business activity.
Mark Watkins, design director at Land & Buildings expressed pride in being part of the project: “We’re excited to bring much-needed residential accommodation to this area of Bristol, while creating a building that fits well within the context of Coronation Road.”
Former office block in Southville will be transformed into a co-living space under the plans
Neil Cartwright, one of the founders of Land & Buildings, added: “St John’s Gate will provide Bristol with much-needed affordable studios for rent, especially for key workers and young couples in the city centre.”
In addition to this application, Alec French architects secured planning permission last year for a mixed-use development on Rupert Street, which will provide co-living accommodation for 249 people and over 300 student bedrooms.
All photos: Alec French
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