News / Development
Plans submitted for ‘statement’ 600-bed student accommodation
Plans have been put forward for a 28-storey building in the city centre that will be used as a 600-bed student accommodation.
Land owners Hammerson say the octagonal tower next to Cabot Circus in St Jude’s will be a “statement building for the city”.
Hammerson, which owns the shopping centre in a joint venture with global investment firm AXA IM, wants to transform the “underused” space in front of the car park on Newfoundland Circus.
is needed now More than ever
The proposals also include “a multi-purpose community pavilion, a pocket park and flexible outdoor amenity space”, plus a new pedestrian route and shared cycle lane.
Hammerson say they want to “create a distinct and memorable arrival point into the city” at the site near the start of the M32 – photo: Betty Woolerton
Jonatan Carlring, development director at Hammerson, said: “These latest plans represent a significant enhancement to Bristol and have been developed closely to align to Bristol City Council’s vision for the city centre and Frome Gateway.
“As well as delivering high-quality student accommodation and a statement building for the city, the plans include extensive green spaces, better cycle and walking routes and more community uses.
“It all ties in with our plans for Hammerson’s wider Bristol estate and matches the momentum we’re already delivering at Cabot Circus and Quaker’s Friars.”
In an update, a Hammerson spokesperson said its “wider redevelopment plans for Bristol already include repositioning and re-letting investment in Quakers Friars, with planning permission agreed earlier this year to improve the public realm, add more commercial uses and deliver a new cultural exchange for the city.
“Meanwhile, M&S is set to launch its 80,000 sq ft store later this year at Cabot Circus following £21m of investment, including its latest M&S Food offering, and last week UNIQLO was secured for a major new regional flagship store.
“ODEON is also due to open in 2026, joining leisure offers such as King Pins Bowl and Treetop Golf, all part of Hammerson’s vision to curate a buzzing, multi-use destination in the heart of Bristol.”
A 28-storey tower could be built on a site next to Cabot Circus – photo: Betty Woolerton
Bristol’s current tallest building is the 26-storey Castle Park View tower, with other proposed towers in the city centre, including those set to be built on the sites of the former Debenhams and Premier Inn, both overlooking the Bearpit.
An outline planning application for the development known as Cabot Gate has been submitted to Bristol City Council and will be considered by City Hall.
Main photo: Hammerson
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