Bristol's Broadwalk shopping centre set to be demolished to make way for 500 homes
Developers now have planning permission to knock down the shopping centre on the Wells Road
Revised plans have been approved for demolishing a shopping centre in South Bristol and building over 500 new homes.
Developers now have planning permission to knock down the Broadwalk Shopping Centre on the Wells Road in Knowle and build the revised development.
Broadside Holdings was previously granted planning permission from Bristol City Council for a similar scheme, with 850 homes.
But local residents were outraged at the height of the planned buildings next to Redcatch Park, as well as concerns over cramming so many small flats into too small a site.
Campaigners launched a legal challenge and then won major concessions.
Instead, Broadside is planning to build 555 homes, among other buildings.
Maximum heights on the eastern part of the site will be 12 storeys, and three to four storeys on the western side.
Sian Ellis-Thomas, chair for Friends of Redcatch Park, said: “We fully support the proposed variation to the Broadwalk development. This has been a long and challenging journey with real concerns from residents about scale, density and the impact on our park. The revised proposal is a clear and welcome improvement. Community voices have been heard.”
Nick Spencer, representing the developer, said: “In 2023 there was a public outcry following our outline application being granted permission. However over the past two years we have been on a meaningful and constructive journey with the local community. I would like to thank ward councillors, community groups and individuals who have worked with us to find a compromise.”
Less than 10 per cent of the homes will be classed as affordable. But this number could be increased if the developers manage to get a grant to pay for the extra affordable homes. The revised plans have replaced proposed tall apartment blocks with townhouses along the park. There are also fewer homes planned with windows on only one side and north-facing.
Elsewhere, the plans involve a small supermarket to address the lack of places to buy food in Knowle, as well as a community space, pharmacy, dental surgery, and relocation of Knowle library. Some local residents are still concerned however about the impact on parking pressures.
Councillors on the committee voted unanimously to grant permission for the revised plans. Another planning application is due to decide on further details, known as “reserved matters”.
Green Councillor Serena Ralston said: “I think this is fantastic. I’m really excited about it. For me, this is how it should be done. The community has been a powerhouse, and councillors and developers. Other developers can really learn a lesson from this. We can and should demand better.”