National law firm Irwin Mitchell is advising Artisan Real Estate Investors on the acquisition of Natwest Court Bristol, a sprawling city centre building of 116,000 square feet in the centre of Bristol, which has been purchased from Direct Line.
Artisan plans to redevelop the building as part of an extensive regeneration project for the collection of buildings in Bristol’s Historic Quarter (fronting Broad Street and Nelson Street) into a mixed-use scheme comprising residential, and retail anchored by a hotel.
The regeneration site includes a mix of listed buildings and more modern structures, including the ornamental Everard’s Printing Works building with its unique Art Deco façade. This will become the grand entrance of a new 250 room 4* hotel with meeting and conference facilities.
In addition the developers will create a five-storey residential block of one-bed and studio flats to provide a high-quality living location for professionals and commuters. It is planned that further serviced apartments in a separate three-storey block will attract overseas visitors for work and study, and proposed retail units will bring new shops and eateries to the area.
Artisan Real Estate Investors are working closely with Bristolian architects Alec French to manage the renovations, which have been carefully planned to ensure minimum disruption to the local community and with environmental sustainability in mind. Plans include preserving the fascinating network of medieval streets and passageways in the area, which will be landscaped as part of the new plans. And the team will be making sure the development minimizes the risk to adjoining listed buildings during the works, including the Grade I listed St John’s the Baptist church.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to redevelop such a historic area that is currently under-utilised. Bristol is a unique city with a fantastic story to tell and we look forward to bringing this site back to life.” comments Robin Gray, Alec French architects.
Brian Dowling Senior Associate at Irwin Mitchell, who advised on the acquisition of the site and is instructed on development matters and further disposals going forward said:” Mixed use and residential is one of our key sector focuses at Irwin Mitchell and this is a great regeneration project for this historic part of Bristol. It has been so rewarding for our planning, construction and property lawyers to work with a client and consultant team who are so passionate about placemaking. You can really see the potential that this scheme has to bring new jobs and a new perspective to this thriving city.“
Irwin Mitchell has advised Artisan Real Estate Investors on previous developments, including Powis Street, Woolwich, and Media House Swanley.
