Britain’s largest property management group Places for People, developers PG Enterprises and consultants RPS have teamed up to propose a major mixed use regeneration development incorporating what would be the tallest tower in Britain in the deprived St Paul’s area of Bristol. Dr Paul K Hatchwell reports on the early stages of an exciting new development
The Dove Lane project, near Junction 3 of the M32, could include a 40-storey, 600 ft ‘ecotower’ landmark, rivalling London’s famous BT Tower. The project, one of three rival mixed use proposals for a redundant factory site, is to incorporate 753,000 sq ft of homes (700 dwellings), offices and businesses, could boost the economy by £300m and create 1,000 jobs.
Other features include a doctor’s surgery, outdoor performance area, and the possibility of a 100-room hotel.
State-of-the-art
The intention is for state-of-the-art green technology and design to be used in the project, though proposals remain at an early stage, with consultation continuing. It is not yet clear just how environmentally sustainable the project will be, with some controversy over the proposed height of the tower.
However, Places for People has developed an excellent record in development of socially and environmentally sustainable communities, including the forthcoming West End development in Milton Keynes (see SB July 2007).
Places for People points out that “the South West is now officially the most unaffordable place to buy a home in the UK”, and it is heavily involved in other projects in Bristol promoting more innovative forms of shared ownership.
PfP believes the Dove Lane project “has the potential to be a major catalyst in the regeneration of the area, bringing in new investment, jobs and bridging the divide betweenSt Paul’s and the city center”.
Equally encouragingly, the host, Bristol City Council launched the Green Capital challenge in March 2007, pledging to be the greenest city in the UK. It is increasingly deeply committed to creating a high quality environment, tackling the causes of climate change and creating a clean and attractive built and natural environment, including through sustainable construction, as well as supporting the creation of balanced and sustainable communities.
The three options that resulted from 18 months of public consultation all include some provision of open space. However, the ‘ecotower’ proposal (Option C), containing buildings ranging from four to 40 storeys on just 30% of the site, with another 40% for associated urban infrastructure, would also deliver the largest amount of open space – 30% of the total.
This would be enough to host a large play area, outdoor market, park and an open-air performance area for cultural and community events.
In contrast, options A and B would leave just 3% and 10% respectively as open space.
A planning application is expected to follow shortly after consultations are completed in early 2008.
*Supplementary Planning Document Number 5: Bristol City Council - Bristol Local Development Framework. Sustainable Building Design and Construction. Adopted February 2006
www.placesforpeople.co.uk;
www.bristol.gov.uk/ccm/content/Environment-Planning/sustainability/sust-build-design-construction.en;
www.thepggroup.co.uk/about_us.htm;
www.rpsplc.co.uk