A prominent eyesore site in Bristol could become a pop-up restaurant ahead of housing plans.

Local developer Speare Development has acquired the site on Clifton Down Road in Clifton Village, which was last used as an ice rink in 2014 and was a WHSmith before that.

The developer has submitted a planning application for the site to be a pop-up restaurant for approximately two years ahead of long-term plans for a residential-led scheme with a mixture of ground floor commercial uses.

'We want the site to be open and active again, not fenced off and forgotten' | Google

placeholder image — 'We want the site to be open and active again, not fenced off and forgotten' | Google

A spokesperson from Speare Developments said: "This site has been derelict for too long. A pop-up restaurant presents an exciting opportunity to bring the site to life and improve its appearance whilst we develop permanent plans. We want the site to be open and active again, not fenced off and forgotten.

"There’s still a long way to go. As with any brownfield site, there are complex technical constraints that have the potential to affect the viability of a temporary scheme, but we are working through them.

“With that being said, we are serious about making this area better and we’re excited to explore Clifton’s strong identity as we prepare plans for the site's long-term future.”

Artistic sketch of the temporary pop-up restaurant. | Speare Developments

The pop-up restaurant is designed to complement Clifton Village's tapestry of independent traders. Speare Developments has been actively engaging with local businesses to understand how a new restaurant could work collaboratively with the existing community.

While the name and the operator are yet to be finalised, the pop-up restaurant is expected to operate for approximately two years while plans for the permanent development are formed and a planning application is decided. Long-term plans are expected to include a residential-led scheme with a mixture of ground floor commercial uses.

While matters for the permanent scheme are being considered, Speare Developments will continue to engage with Bristol City Council and the local community as the planning application for the temporary proposal progresses and will provide updates along the way.

If people have any questions, they can contact [email protected] or 0808 143 4781.