News / Debenhams
The fate of former Debenhams site to be decided
New CGI images reveal more of what could replace the former Debenhams building if plans for a major development are given the go-ahead.
The fate of the prominent site that overlooks the Bearpit to one side and Horsefair to the other is set to be decided on Wednesday, April 24, when councillors will meet to discuss the proposals that include 502 flats – 20 per cent of which would be classed as ‘affordable’ – and a 28-storey tower.
The scheme, which the developer is calling Barr’s Street, would see a historic street of the same name connecting Broadmead to the Bearpit reopened, and new commercial units for retail and hospitality businesses, as well as community space.
is needed now More than ever
It has received numerous objections, mostly focusing on the height of the proposed buildings, with groups such as the 20th Century Society also believing that the existing building should be “creatively adapted for reuse” rather than be demolished.
It comes soon after controversial plans for the Premier Inn site opposite, also overlooking the Bearpit, were approved. Bristol Civic Society is mounting legal action in a bid to stop this development going ahead.
New CGI images reveal what could replace the former Debenhams building if plans for a major development are given the go-ahead
Architects AWW have drawn up the designs for the Barr’s Street scheme that would see the current building, which closed in 2021, demolished to make way for the new development. Efforts to get the existing 1950s building listed status were rejected by Historic England.
The developers are promising the sustainable new homes will be set above a “lively, new, tree-lined pedestrian retail street”, with the scheme bringing more open public space to the site and a potential 264 new jobs. A path that is accessible to wheelchair and pushchair users would link St James Barton Roundabout with The Horsefair.
Critics argue the 28-storey tower will “blight Bristol’s landscape”.
Council officers are expected to recommend the plans for approval, but it is councillors who will make the final decision.
The scheme, which the developer is calling Barr’s Street, would see a historic street of the same name connecting Broadmead to the Bearpit reopened
All images: AWW Architect
Read next:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
