News / planning
Plans approved for Temple Island tower blocks
Plans have been approved for several tower blocks on what used to be called Arena Island.
Councillors voted to permit the plans to build flats, offices and more on a derelict and empty former diesel depot south of Temple Meads.
The site was previously earmarked for a new arena until former Labour mayor Marvin Rees controversially decided to change that location to Filton.
Legal & General wants to build 520 flats, offices, bars, shops and a hotel on the land now known as Temple Island.
The flats would be split over four blocks and the offices would be built in two blocks. The buildings would be a range of heights, including one reaching up to 19 storeys tall.
Councillors on planning committee B voted to approve permission on Wednesday, with the scheme due to take a decade to build and a riverside footpath also planned as well as a play area.
Temple Island was previously earmarked as the site for Bristol’s long-awaited arena – image: L&G
Legal & General head of strategy, Ben Denton, said: “L&G will be the long-term owner and operator of the commercial space, the market-rented homes and the affordable homes on the site.
“So we have an enduring interest in creating a successful, welcoming place for Bristol’s communities.”
Denton pledged that a fifth of the homes would be affordable, partly paid for by a government grant from Homes England. The plans include building steps up to the pavement along the neighbouring Bath Road.
The development was backed by the University of Bristol, who said the new buildings would help cement their new campus, which is being built adjacent to the site.
Prof Judith Squires said: “We’re keen to ensure the momentum generated by the university’s investment in the Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus is maintained, so that the wider renewal of this part of the city can be realised.
“The scheme promises benefits for local communities, high-quality employment opportunities and a route to much-needed affordable homes.”
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Read more: Temple Quarter ‘seems a bit of a purpose-built student accommodation-fest’
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Critics, however, said the buildings would be too tall and block important views of the historic buildings at Temple Meads, as well as the colourful houses on top of the Totterdown escarpment.
Kim Hicks from Bristol Civic Society said: “They will be depressing to look at and live and work among, especially in dull and damp weather.
“This development requires a major redesign that results in a fresh and welcoming approach to Bristol, and is keeping with the brightness of Temple Meads.
“It should not be a grim reminder of the dirty, grimy, smoke-stained buildings of industrial Britain.”
Legal & General say the designs for Temple Island “will create a new landmark on this prominent city centre site that work with the grain of Bristol’s architecture” – image: L&G
Transport experts at the council are also worried about the impact on traffic on Bath Road, which is often congested and the busy but narrow pavement shared by cyclists and pedestrians.
A similar problem is facing nearby plans for a multi-storey bicycle storage building, which could now be mothballed.
Conservative councillor Richard Eddy said: “We’re seeing a good blend of employment use and housing and it’s quite pleasing that it’s not all student housing.
“If a hotel is built, personally I think it’s a better site for a hotel than an arena.”
Councillors voted unanimously in favour of permitting the plans, with their decision unsurprisingly welcomed by Legal & General, who said their plans would contribute to the wider regeneration of Temple Quarter, the area around Temple Meads and St Philip’s Marsh.
After the meeting, an L&G spokesperson said: “As a leading pensions provider, we are committed to long‑term investment in infrastructure and housing to help shape a better built environment for the communities where our savers live.
“Our track record in delivering major regeneration schemes in cities such as Newcastle, Cardiff and Sheffield, together with our strong public sector partnerships, enables us to drive forward place‑based developments that support local needs whilst delivering for pension savers across the country.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership with the public sector to bring new homes, jobs, and opportunities to Bristol, and to helping establish a thriving new community on Temple Island.”
Main image: Legal & General
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