An area of land running alongside Bordeaux Quay could be transformed by a ‘Bristol Eye’ big wheel alongside a new luxury boutique hotel and a host of other facilities.
The £24 million concept has been put forward to Bristol City Council by Manor Property Group, to create a major tourist attraction, luxury hotel overlooking St Augustine’s Reach, a floating restaurant and a covered area for market stalls and events.
The site, owned by Bristol City Council has been earmarked for leisure use with the development of a ‘statement building’.
CODA Architects, of Queen Charlotte Street, Bristol have been working on designs; discussions have started with Hotel Indigo, an Intercontinental Group Hotel brand to potentially launch a new hotel with management by Interstate.
Mark Bailey, Development Director at Manor Property Group, a company established some 35 years ago, said: “We’ve been working on this scheme for around 18 months, having assembled an excellent team to deliver each element of this exciting offer. It would provide a new focus in the heart of Bristol bringing jobs, investment and extend the city’s leisure use.
“We would be looking to work with local restaurateurs to occupy those elements of the scheme and have already had some preliminary talks with the city council.”
Architect Ronnie Rennoldson, founding director of CODA Architects, whose existing works include many of Bristol’s hospital buildings and the Blaise Castle Café building, is especially pleased with the design for the hotel which appears to be “floating” in mid-air.
He said: “The ground floor would have a small reception area for the hotel widening out to a glass open space. In effect the hotel is on stilts floating above the public area.
“We’ve designed a ‘roofed over’ public space which itself, creates an atmospheric route to the existing Lloyds amphitheatre, as well as an all-weather protection for outdoor markets and events. The 125 bed hotel has restaurants and a bar beneath and enjoys views of the harbour-side location from a rooftop restaurant.
“The wheel would be larger than the temporary structures that have been erected to date in central Bristol whilst in context with the locale, it would be a prominent feature attracting attention and tourists while affording unique views of St Mary Redcliffe, waterfront area of the city and city centre.
“The overall height of the building gives presence and the facilities provided meet the leisure needs of the city. We don’t believe this area is right for residential and offices and should be somewhere that the people of Bristol can enjoy.
“The inclusion of a floating restaurant accessed from a pontoon in St Augustine’s Reach would connect with Bristol’s maritime heritage and be another exciting venue for the city.”
Details of the proposed scheme have been sent to city councillors and local interest groups to open initial discussions about the future of the land, which has been called Waterfront Square.
The proposed scheme includes:
· A 125-bedroom luxury hotel.
· A big wheel attraction
· Approx 70 permanent jobs.
· A floating restaurant.
· Roofed over, paved and landscaped event space.
· Restaurants and cafes.
A small exhibition showing visuals of the scheme is on show in the windows of CODA Architects, Queen Charlotte Street and Welsh Back, Bristol from January 11 to January 18.
