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Bristol: Castle Park plans unveiled by developers

Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios/MEPC Plans for Castle ParkFeilden Clegg Bradley Studios/MEPC
Three new office blocks are proposed for the site with shops and restaurants at ground level

Plans to redevelop a derelict area of the city and reinstate streets lost during the Blitz have been released.

Three empty buildings at Castle Park in Bristol would be replaced with new office blocks, independent shops and restaurants.

Developers MPEC said it has carried out "lot of community engagement" to ensure residents' views were taken into consideration.

The Friends of Castle Park group say it is crucial developers "get it right".

Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios/MEPC Plans for Castle ParkFeilden Clegg Bradley Studios/MEPC
Mary le Port Street, Adam and Eve Lane and Cheese Market Street will be reinstated as walkways

MPEC commercial director, Roz Bird said: "We've done a lot of community engagement and made sure we've taken into consideration what Bristolians would want to see here.

"It's about bringing it alive, opening it up and making the connections between St Nick's Market, Castle Park, the Floating Harbour and Wine Street and for it to be a really inviting place."

The bombed out St Mary le Port tower would also be repaired and the church opened up to visitors.

Google Maps Aerial view of the siteGoogle Maps
St Mary le Port tower is currently surrounded by derelict banking and finance buildings

The site was heavily bombed during the Bristol Blitz in 1940 and became a car park before being leased to the Bank of England and Norwich Union Insurance company for office buildings in the 1960s.

Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios/MEPC Photo of the siteFeilden Clegg Bradley Studios/MEPC
St Mary le Port tower will be repaired and opened to the public under the plans

There have been previous proposals to develop the site but none have yet been approved by Bristol City Council.

The Friends of Castle Park group met the developer to take a first look at the latest plans.

Member of the group Russ Leith said: "A whole range of really positive feedback came from that.

"It's the most significant piece of land around the old city and it's crucial they get it right."

MEPC is holding a public consultation on the plans until 26 April.

Virtual public consultation meetings are set to be held on 21 and 22 April.

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