Plans unveiled for 2,000 homes in Bedminster - with buildings potentially eight storeys high

Once an area of the city best known for its illegal warehouse parties and sound systems that kickstarted the ‘Bristol sound’ later made famous by Massive Attack, Whitehouse Street in Bedminster is now the latest part of south Bristol earmarked for regeneration.

Residents and businesses in the area between York Road and Victoria Park, close to Windmill Hill City Farm, have been asked to give their views on the Whitehouse Street draft Regeneration Framework, and contribute to setting a plan that will bring new homes, jobs and opportunity to the area.

Community members, local landowners the Galliard Apsley Partnership and Hill, and Goram Homes have worked together with Bristol City Council to develop the draft regeneration framework for the area around Whitehouse Street which is for a mixed-use neighbourhood with around 2,000 new homes and space for roughly 400 jobs.

The draft suggests the height of the buildings in the development could be at least eight storeys high - but the plans ‘are appropriate to the area in scale and protecting key views’ which include from Victoria Park. The highest buildings would be off Princess Street. Buildings along Bedminster Parade are currently three to four storeys high.

It would also see improved routes for walking and cycling in the area, plus a new ‘travel corridor’ connecting Bedminster to Temple Meads via Mead Street. The regeneration is expected to take place over a 15-year period, with the first phase delivered in the next two to five years.

Mayor Marvin Rees said: “Currently, the area around Whitehouse Street features a range of commercial and light-industrial uses, as well as vacant plots of land. The long-term ambition is to create a neighbourhood with high-quality new homes to accommodate Bristol’s growing population, that delivers inclusive economic growth and supports community development.

“Through the framework we also hope to bring new residents to the area to strengthen the important economic and social function of Bedminster’s historic high street, East Street.

“By building on previously developed sites, creating new walking and cycling routes, and connecting homes and businesses to the district heat network the Whitehouse Street scheme will also help our city reach its goal for further reducing carbon emissions.”

The framework has been shaped by engagement with the local community, businesses, and landowners to make sure the growth happens coherently.

Action Greater Bedminster (AGB) was commissioned to lead the first stages of community engagement before any design work. Ellie Freeman, Chair of AGB said: “It’s good to see the final consultation coming forward after all the work the team have put in. I hope the community can see how their input has fed into the framework.

“AGB has worked hard to make the most of the opportunities we’ve had over the last 18 months or so to bring people’s views into the plans. It’s important that residents now feed into this final part of the process as well to get their voice heard in shaping this development.”

People can give their views via the online survey until January 8, 2023 and also at events in-person at Windmill Hill City Farm and an online event.

There are also drop-in events at Windmill Hill City Farm on Wednesday, December 7, from 2.30pm to 6.30pm and Thursday, December 8, from 1.30pm to 4pm.