Views sought on Debenhams development plans
Owners of the site want to create hundreds of flats and a new pedestrian walkway
Bristolians are being asked for their views on plans to redevelop part of the city centre.
Plans have been revealed to knock down the old Debenhams building by the Bear Pit and replace it with flats including a 28 storey block.
Real Estate management company AEW, which owns the site, has developed the plans alongside AWW Architects, saying they want to "bring life and activation" to the location.
Currently, as the designers point out, the buildings on the site block a route that would otherwise provide a straight walking route from the Bear Pit to Castle Park.
As such, we're told the plans would see the creation of a new pedestrian walkway, to be known as Barr's Street, which would complete that potential route.
It would be 18 metres wide and be lined with trees, with a vision portrayed of cafes on the ground floor of the new blocks providing outdoor seating.
Stairs addressing the change in level from Broadmead to the Bear Pit would be accompanied by a "meandering ramp" for wheelchair users to make it accessible.
One of the new buildings would also feature a two storey community space, potentially including a library or health centre, which would look out onto the Bear Pit.
Homes
In total, the developers propose creating 514 one and two bed flats for rent, of which 20 per cent would be classed as affordable.
They would feature shared rooftop terraces and "co-working spaces", with a 24/7 concierge service at the entrance.
In total four new buildings would be created to house the flats.
Two so called "podium buildings" would be built on either side of the new Barr's Street, with between nine and 12 storeys.
Another two buildings would then sit between the current Debenhams site and Primark, with one taller 28 storey building acting as a new "northern gateway" into Broadmead.
Some of the apartments would boast balconies, while some would be designed specifically for wheelchair users.
Parking
The location of the site means it is an "ideal" spot for a low or no car scheme, the developers say.
As such parking would be limited to a small number of accessible and car club spaces at basement level, with residents generally encouraged to get out by bike, on foot or via public transport.
The basement area would also feature cycle stores to accommodate this.
Feedback
A formal planning application for this has not yet been submitted to Bristol City Council, with the developers saying they want our feedback on their ideas.
Two consultation events will be held on Monday 19 June, one at the site and one online, which you can sign up for via this link.
You can also give your views either by emailing hello@barrstreetbristol.co.uk or by calling 0800 193 9403.
To see the plans in full, click here.