£200m PBSA Partnership Launched by QIP and Solibuild
23rd Mar 2023
Bristol City Council is currently considering plans submitted by developer Dominus Real Estate on behalf of Unite Group Plc to build a mixed-use development, incorporating flexible commercial and community uses at ground floor with purpose-built student accommodation to upper storeys.
The proposed site, named Freestone Island, is currently home to a storage yard, and is bordered by Kingsland Road, Sussex Street, Alfred Street and the Bristol & Bath Railway Path.
Plans consist of two buildings which will be up to eight storeys in height. The buildings are to be connected by an internal bridge.
As well as the 622 student beds, the accommodation would boast communal spaces including a common room, lounge, gym, studio, group and silent study areas, pool lounge, karaoke booth, games room and cinema room.
The site is located a 12-minute walk to Temple Meads Train Station, and the new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus belonging to the University of Bristol. Plans state that the accommodation will be part of a wider masterplan, which will ensure that the future development on Silverthorne Lane will assist in the regeneration of the area and it will accommodate the new campus. The proposal states that: "The University's ambition for this area is to provide flexible academic space providing modern facilities that will ensure long term activity and create more vibrant public realm and a varied mix of building types."
"For this reason, we felt that it is appropriate to consider the student development scheme for the site to meet the needs of the emerging uses in the area."
Jay Ahluwalia, principal director at Dominus Real Estate, said: "Since October 2022 we have worked in collaboration with community groups, local businesses and councillors, to understand new partnerships and valuable projects we can bring to life as part of our meaningful commitment to social value.
"Through extensive engagement, we have understood that a new community space, workshops for local creative businesses and a neighbourhood supermarket would have a real and positive impact locally. We have therefore ensured that our plans incorporate these ideas, to hopefully make them a reality."
Old Market Community Association's Paul Bradburn said: "The scheme now includes much-needed workshop spaces for local creative businesses, as well as eight townhouses helping bring activity right down to street level, and reflect the traditional housing in the Dings.
"So, we fully support the current approach to delivering real and tangible community assets, and look forward to working with Dominus Real Estate in the coming months."
The public is welcome to provide their input on the proposals prior to submitting a formal planning application to Bristol City Council. A public consultation period will be held until March 17th.
