News / Cabot Circus
Plans approved for Quakers Friars revamp
Bristol City Council have approved plans for Quakers Friars to be redeveloped, making way for Cabot Circus to become a leading destination in Bristol.
Investor and manager Hammerson, has announced its plans to introduce more accessible and interactive public spaces alongside new cultural amenities and landscaped public areas as a part of a new investment in the city centre.
Chief development officer at Hammerson, Harry Badham said: “Thoughtful investment into public spaces and the surrounding buildings will unlock a new cultural and community hub for the city.”
The Apple store will be leaving in the summer of 2025 ahead of the redevelopment – photo: Hammerson
Plans include investment in the historic Friary Building, which dates back to the Dominican
Friary that was founded in the 13th century.
They say their ambition for is that the space can can be a flexible for different cultural and creative community events.
Hammerson has said they hope to support smaller, local businesses, with the aim to introduce one-of-a-kind arts installations with Aardman Group (who previously held a Wallace & Gromit experience there), host Bristol Light Festival and organise a free pop-up skateboard park.
The adjacent retail units will also be transformed and bring the potential for more services, such as healthcare and workspaces.
Recently the Apple store announced that it would be leaving ahead of the redevelopment.
Hammerson’s vision to curate a buzzing, multi-use destination in the heart of Bristol – photo: Hammerson
Councillor Andrew Brown, chair of the Economy and Skills Committee, said: “Providing planning approval represents a key step in the redevelopment of this area of our city, moving us towards our vision, to provide a vibrant mix of culture and leisure facilities for citizens and visitors to enjoy.”
These investment plans come ahead of a busy year for Cabot Circus with big events hitting Bristol such as the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter and semi-finals being held at Ashton Gate this September.
Main photo: Hammerson
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