The redevelopment of urban centres – case study

Cabot Circus - Bristol

• As the location of aircraft manufacture, Bristol was a target of bombing during the Bristol Blitz of World War II. Bristol's city centre also suffered severe damage, especially in November and December 1940, when the Broadmead area was flattened, and Hitler claimed to have destroyed the city. (The Broadmead shopping centre was built over this bomb-damaged area).

• Like much of British post-war planning, regeneration of Bristol city centre was characterised by large, cheap tower blocks, and expansion of roads. Since the 1990s this trend has been reversing, with the closure of some main roads and the regeneration of the Broadmead shopping centre. In 2006 two of the city centre's tallest post-war blocks were torn down.

• Since the 1980s millions of pounds have been spent regenerating the harbourside. 1999 saw the construction of Pero's footbridge; which now links the At-Bristol exhibition with other Bristol tourist attractions. In 2000, the At-Bristol centre opened on semi-derelict land at Canon's Marsh, although some of Grade II listed buildings were refurbished and reused. It was funded with UK£44.3 million from the National Lottery, the Millennium Commission, South West of England Regional Development Agency, and a further £43.4 million from commercial partners, including Nestlé, and Bristol city council. Private investors are also constructing studio apartment buildings. The regeneration of the Canon's Marsh area is expected to cost £240 million. Crest Nicholson were the lead developers constructing 450 new flats, homes and waterside offices,under the guidance of The Harbourside Sponsors’ Group which is a partnership between the City Council, key stakeholders, developers, businesses, operators and funders.

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• PLAN TO TURN RE-DEVELOP FORMER MAGISTRATES’ COURT ON NELSON ST.

• Sunday, 21st November 2010• The former magistrates' court building on Nelson St could be redeveloped into

a hotel and a student building. 

Bristol developer, Deeley Freed Estates, has unveiled plans to transform the 85,000 sq ft eight-storey 1960s building . This would involve demolishing the existing building and replacing it with a mixed-use scheme, comprising a 160-bedroom Travelodge, student accommodation as well as food and drink outlets at ground level.

• The magistrates' court building sits within The Nelson Street Regeneration Area, identified by the City Council as a key area for redevelopment. It is hoped that redevelopment of this site would act as a catalyst for the regeneration of Nelson St – an important link from the city centre retail area through to The Centre and Harbourside. 

The site also fronts the historic route down Christmas Steps, via Christmas Street, through St John’s Gate to Broad Street; an historically important point in the city marked by The St John the Baptist church opposite