
Our proposal
We think there is a real opportunity to transform this key connection between St Jude’s and the city centre into a place that is open, welcoming, green, safe and attractive, particularly for pedestrians. We also believe it is the perfect location for an exceptional and unique building to mark this key entry point into the city.
We are proposing:
- Attractive and welcoming public realm on the site with places to sit and dwell
- A new, safer pedestrian route through the site
- New shared pedestrian and cycle lane pulled away from Newfoundland Way
- Extensive planting and landscaping to provide a buffer between the traffic along Newfoundland Way and pedestrians/cyclists
- Narrowing the width of the existing car park access road, and creating a much more pedestrian-friendly crossing
- Constructing two separate buildings, one on each parcel of land
We are proposing (cont’d):
- One building up to eight storeys including ground floor: this would be for a hotel or co-living or student housing
- The other building up to 28 storeys including ground floor: this would be the unique octagonal building for purpose built student accommodation
- A new community space: we have already had really positive exploratory discussions with a local community group to lease the space
- Space to accommodate a new café to enliven the site and give people a reason to dwell: this is likely to be located on the area closest to Broadmead
- The application will be ‘hybrid’ – an outline application which will include detailed information for the taller building
Connecting St Jude’s to the city centre
- This is a key pedestrian and cycling route between St Jude’s and the city centre
- Proposal would create a welcoming and safer route connecting St Jude’s community with the city centre
- As Frome Gateway progresses this route will become increasingly important
Making it safer for pedestrians & cyclists
- New dedicated pedestrian route through the site
- Creating an additional new shared pedestrian and cycle lane along the edge of the site, but separated from Newfoundland Way
- Planting between Newfoundland Way and the proposed shared pedestrian/cycle way
Greening and landscaping the entire site
- Landscaping to connect and continue Frome Gateway green corridor
- Replacing barren hardstanding with wildlife-friendly species
- Boosting greenery will help address urban heating and provide shade
Enlivening the site with scope for community space, café & new public spaces
- New café proposed on ground floor of unique octagonal building
- Outside terrace suitable for informal seating and spill out area
- Located to enliven and welcome people into the site
- Scope to provide community space for use by local people (we have already had really positive exploratory discussions with a local community group to lease the space)
Two separate buildings, one on each parcel of land
- One building would be up to eight storeys including ground floor: this would be for a hotel/co-living/or student housing
- The other would be up 28 storeys, including ground floor: this would be the unique octagonal building for purpose built student accommodation
- Active frontages
- Roof terraces
- Range of studio and cluster rooms for students to provide choice
- Student accommodation building managed 24/7
Designing a unique marker building
- Create a distinct and memorable arrival point into the city
- Careful consideration given to height, including taking reference from other consented city centre buildings
- Extensive landscape visual impacts assessed, including from the Portland and Brunswick Square Conservation Area
A unique marker building
- Robust design process which included early modelling considered different shapes before settling on an octagon
- Design of exterior draws on different Bristol traditions, including Byzantine, industrial and maritime architecture
- Use of ‘sculptural relief,’ ‘rhythmic composition’ and ornamental detailing to create rich architectural character that makes the building distinct and unique
- Colour palette takes cues from existing context, including from red brick, sandstone and limestone
Bringing further investment & spending into the city centre
- Hammerson has already invested in building homes within its Bristol estate
- Working with Bristol City Council, our future vision includes a mix of uses including additional housing within our wider estate
- Up to 700 new residents bringing spending into the city centre
- Construction and operational jobs – we already run an annual jobs fair at Cabot Circus to connect local residents with employers












