Bristol City Council has given the green light and granted planning consent for the transformation of a disused brewery site in Southville, Bristol, into new homes, co-working space and retail units.
The Old Brewery MCC LLP, a joint venture between Change Real Estate and Cannon Family Office, is now set to start work at The Old Brewery, Southville, a 0.5 ha brownfield site between North Street, Ashton Road, Baynton Road and Durnford Street.
Bristol City Council has agreed to the development that will include 94 new homes, of which 16 will be affordable, 9 shared ownership, and 7 for social rental (2 of which will be 3-bed, 5 person houses) together with 2,000 sq m of co-working and commercial space. Avison Young led the planning.
Located on the site of the old Ashton Gate Brewery and Thomas Baynton’s Brewery, the site was most recently home to short-term and underutilised warehousing space.
Reflecting the vibrant and unique character of Southville, the design will echo the site’s industrial heritage. Existing buildings on the site with historical interest will be retained, such as the Bristol Byzantine Weighbridge House, the Gatehouse and its stone gate piers; some buildings such as the Brewery Manager’s House will be rebuilt; whilst new buildings will complement the heritage and design of the existing architecture.
Ron Persaud, director at Change Real Estate says, “This is a hugely exciting development that is going to be a great addition to the characterful North Street. We hope the development will become a natural gateway from Ashton into Southville and an integral part of the community in Southville.
“We’ve worked hard with Bristol City Council to agree a scheme that provides a mix of market and affordable housing in an attractive, courtyard setting, alongside co-working space which we know will be welcomed by start-ups and small businesses in this part of Bristol, who would rather work locally than travel into the centre of Bristol.
“We’re delighted that Bristol City Council has consented the scheme, following a constructive dialogue with planners and local community groups from day one to develop an approach to meet everyone’s aspirations.
“We’re now looking to forward to progressing plans for the co-working space, and food and beverage operators who will front onto North Street.”
Jo Davis, MD of planning, development and regeneration at Avison Young in Bristol, who led the planning team for The Old Brewery, Southville, says,
“These are exemplar mixed-use regeneration proposals. The scheme delivers true regeneration – fantastic place-making with high quality architecture and public realm, new flexible employment space to deliver new jobs and economic development and social investment through affordable homes. Importantly, these aren’t just apartments but family homes in a mix of social rented and shared ownership. Managing urban change and delivering high quality homes on brownfield sites is Avison Young’s USP and we’re delighted to have led the planning on this scheme.”
The Old Brewery, Southville, has been designed by architects The Nash Partnership. It will be centred around two landscaped courtyards, the first linking North Street to other parts of the development, whilst the second will be a private, green, secure space for use by residents. Design of the public realm plays an important part within the Old Brewery, Southville, with pedestrianised areas, terraces, courtyards, as well as a strong focus on public art.
The Old Brewery MCC will be continuing its relationship with Upfest, Europe’s largest free street art festival, to create an ever changing bold and colourful landscape within the development.
The Old Brewery, Southville, will have a mix of 1,2 and 3-bedroom apartments, as well as 2 three-bedroom houses, secure parking for 41 cars, and storage for 202 bicycles. The development will have fully accessible communal and public areas, with suitable ramping steps, level access approaches and thresholds.
