News / Development
Planning submitted for redevelopment of Brutalist landmark
A Brutalist landmark that has dominated Bristol’s skyline for some 60 years could be set for a new chapter.
Plans have been submitted to redevelop the NCP multi-storey car park on Nelson Street, bound by Fairfax Street, The Pithay and All Saints Street, into a 12-storey student accommodation scheme.
Liverpool-based developer Downing has applied to build a purpose-built student accommodation block providing 331 bedrooms, alongside active ground-floor commercial space and public realm improvements aimed at “creating a more vibrant and welcoming area in Broadmead”.
The 1960s structure has featured in studies of the city’s Brutalist heritage, alongside Rupert Street car park, Clifton Cathedral and the recently demolished Premier Inn overlooking the Bearpit.
Liverpool-based developer Downing has applied to build a purpose-built student accommodation block providing 331 bedrooms – photo: Downing
Downing bought the 271-space car park on the 0.64-acre island site in 2023, with Bristol24/7 first reporting on the possibility of it being converted into student accommodation amid wider speculation about the future of the concrete edifice.
The car park’s ground floor is currently home to music venue Strange Brew, Chinese restaurant Fresh Bakery and the bookmaker Coral.
The car-free scheme is designed to encourage walking, cycling and public transport use, with the site a short walk from Bristol Bus Station.
The developer, who has a future pipeline valued at £1.6bn, said the proposals align with council plans to improve local transport links, including upgrades to the Fairfax Street bus corridor and a segregated cycleway along All Saints Street.
The development is also targeting a high sustainability rating, with landscaping and biodiversity measures included.
NCP multi-storey car park on Nelson Street is bound by Fairfax Street, The Pithay and All Saints Street – photo: Josie Marchant
Martin Fenlon, associate projects director at Downing, said: “Our proposals represent an exciting opportunity to transform an underused site into a high-quality, sustainable development that supports Bristol City Council’s ambitions for the Broadmead area.
“We’ve worked hard to design a scheme that enhances the local townscape, improves connectivity, and delivers much-needed student accommodation while fostering wellbeing and biodiversity.”
The planning application is now up for consideration by the Bristol City Council.
The car-free scheme is designed to encourage walking, cycling and public transport use, with the site a short walk from Bristol Bus Station – photo: Downing
Main photo: Downing
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