'Deteriorated' parade of shops in Bristol could be demolished for new housing
A “deteriorated” 1930s shopping parade could be demolished as part of regeneration plans for a high street in south Bristol.
London-based architect firm RCKa has won a design competition for the residential-led mixed-use project on Filwood Broadway in Knowle West.
The project is for the council-owned properties on the westside of the street, which are currently used as charity offices and a betting shop with two rows of flats above.
It is part of a £15m government-funded regeneration of the street, where there are plans for more housing and a £10m revamp of the local community centre.
RCKa says the level of demolition and redevelopment will be “determined through detailed analysis considering embodied and operational carbon, quality, deliverability and cost implications of different development options.” .
Dieter Keiner, director at RCKa, said they are “thrilled to be working with Bristol City Council and local stakeholders on this trail-blazing regeneration project that will maximise the social impact of council assets for people in Filwood.”
He said: “Our ambition is to deliver 100% affordable housing that enhances both the physical and social fabric of the place, with shared gardens and a revitalised public realm and shopping parade that encourages social cohesion and respects the existing townscape.”
Matt Brown, from Bristol City Council’s housing delivery team, added: “We’re pleased to be working with RCKa and their wider team on such an important site on Filwood Broadway.
“They bring relevant skills balancing different uses on complex sites.
“The existing building is a key focal point on the high street and high quality commercial and residential space is much needed to achieve the wider aims of community-led regeneration plans that began over a decade ago.
“We’ll be working with our local stakeholder network to ensure that proposals meet these aspirations.”
The shopping parade - which houses charities re:work and The Matthew Tree Project alongside a Coral betting shop - is adjacent to a former 1930s cinema site, where work has now started building 30 affordable homes and a small supermarket.
The regeneration of the street will also include the refurbishment and expansion of the 86-year-old Filwood Community Centre, the plans for which were submitted this week and could see the building close for a year while building work is carried out.