Plans for the Redcliff Quarter regeneration scheme include a 239-bed hotel and independent restaurants
14:18, 23 Aug 2018Updated 15:09, 23 Aug 2018
Work on one of the biggest development projects outside of London is in full swing in the centre of Bristol.
The Redcliff Quarter regeneration scheme, an ambitious project which will transform a 3.5-acre derelict site off Queen’s Lane and Redcliff Street, is now in its second phase of development.
The mixed-use site is costing £250million and will include apartments to rent, a 239-bed hotel, eight independent restaurants, a foodhall and a co-working space similar to the Engine Shed.
Redcliff Quarter(Image: Bristol Live)
Developers Change Real Estate also have planning consent for a 23-storey building which will be the highest building in Bristol once constructed.
Ron Persaud, director of Change Real Estate, said: “The site has been derelict for 25 years and I think a city like Bristol needs more housing and amenities.
Ron Persaud is director of Change Real Estate(Image: Bristol Live)
“It’s going to create employment and an income stream in the city and improve the area around.
“Regeneration breeds regeneration and I hope it will have that effect.”
It is estimated that around 500 jobs will be created and approximately £7million contributed to the local economy every year, once the development is complete.
Ron points out that London-based investors have already snapped up a building on St Thomas Street with plans to redevelop it.
(Image: Bristol Live)
The developers are currently in discussion with Bristol chef Josh Eggleton - of Pony and Trap, and Salt & Malt fame - regarding the restaurant plans.
Chinese restaurant Dynasty, which closed after nearly 20 years being based on St Thomas Street, is also in talks with the developers, says Ron.
He said: “We’ve talked to them and they might come back and be a part of the scheme.”
An artist's impression of what Redcliff Quarter will look like(Image: Publicity Picture)
The roads around the site will also be managed by Change Real Estate, which is investing £2.2million in improvements to the streets, including widening the pavement and adding echelon parking on St Thomas Street.
READ MORE: Plans for a sky-high city – this is where Bristol’s high-rise towers will be builtRon added: “We are spending a great deal of money even though we don’t own the roads. We want to introduce echelon parking to slow traffic down and might even add in a chicane.
An artist's impression of what Redcliff Quarter will look like(Image: Publicity Picture)
“Queen’s lane will become a one-way street as well.”
Ron says he hopes the scheme will encourage more people to live and work in Bristol.
“It’s an area that hasn’t historically been associated with residential but we are hoping to change that,” he added.
The Redcliff Quarter scheme is a joint venture between Change Real Estate, Cannon Family Office and ICG Longbow, and is being built by construction firm Galliford Try.
Councillor Craig Cheney, deputy mayor for finance and governance at Bristol City Council, added: “This area of the city was once a thriving space of industrial and economic activity that played a major role in the growth of the trading and industrious city Bristol became known as.
"This development will help breathe new life into the area, bringing a positive economic contribution to the city and ensure Redcliffe continues to play a role in helping us build a city of hope and aspiration.”