16-storey tower block plan unveiled for former PureGym and Mecca Bingo site

Around 340 homes would be built under the plan by Galliard Homes
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Two huge residential tower blocks could be built next to the Bristol to Bath railway path in Lawrence Hill, under plans for around 340 homes by developer Galliard Homes.

The proposal would see the redevelopment of the former Pure Gym and Mecca Bingo building in Barrow Road with two residential blocks - 10 and 16 storeys high. Town houses would also be built on the car park areas.

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Galliard Homes has written to neighbours ahead of a consultation event at The Bristol Methodist Centre, in Lincoln Street, on February 22, from 3.30pm to 7pm.

The company says the highest 16 storey building would be of similar height to the nearby council-owned Kingsmarsh House. It also says new gardens and a play space would be provided along the edge of Hemmings Parade, which links to the high street in Lawrence Hill.

The letter reads: “We wanted to write to let you know we are working on plans to redevelop the former Pure Gym and Mecca Bingo site off Barrow Road into new housing.

“We are proposing to building around 340 new homes: a mix of town houses alongside Tenby Street, behind Whitehall Printing and Barrow Road, stepping back to a ten and 16 storey resdiental building where the current warehouse stands.”

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It continues: “The proposals would help Bristol address its housing crisis, using a brownfield site close to shops, local facilities and the transport links around Lawrence Hill station and St Philips Causeway.

“This also responds to the council’s ambition for the Lawrence Hill area to be regenerated through the provision of new residential development, which can include taller buildings.”

PureGym closed its Barrow Road venue in September last yearPureGym closed its Barrow Road venue in September last year
PureGym closed its Barrow Road venue in September last year

Bristol City Council published a Progressing Bristol’s Development statement two years ago to explain its approach to planning decisions. It included Lawrence Hill as an area for growth and regeneration, stating it could provide ‘a mix of residential, workspace and community uses and continued use of transport depots and facilities’.

The statement forms part of a new Local Plan for the city, which will allocate areas for housing over the next 20 years. Last year, more homes were built in Bristol than in the past 14 years - 2,563 - but still about 18,000 households are currently on the waiting list for social housing.

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Last year, the Government approved plans for a 17 storey tower block with 693 student flats along with homes and a new secondary school at Silverthorne Lane in St Philips.

Galliard Homes has provided some information on its proposal on a website at www.barrowroadconsultation.com. An online exhibition will also be heled on February 23 at 6.30pm - to attend, register through the website.

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