Long-awaited redevelopment of one of Bristol’s biggest eyesores – Westmoreland House and the Carriageworks in Stokes Croft – has taken a “significant step” towards becoming a reality.
Social housing group Knightstone has been selected as preferred developer by Bristol City Council for the high-profile site and will now work on realising the community’s vision for the derelict buildings. 
Knightsone has drawn up three possible options for the site after a series of community workshops. The Weston-super-Mare based group will now work with the council to gain access to the privately-owned sites to enable it to work up viable, detailed proposals
The final plan will then go out to further consultation, again in conjunction with the council and the Carriageworks Action Group (CAG).
Assistant mayor with responsibility for strategic housing and planning, Councillor Mark Bradshaw, said: “We still have a long way to go to bring this gateway site, which has lain derelict far too long, back into use but we are a significant step closer now.
“What had been absolutely key this time around has been the very close involvement of the local community at every stage and the formation of a community body to work with the council and a development partner so that we are all working as one on this.”
CAG chair Lori Streich said: “Westmoreland House and Carriageworks has been a blight at the heart of Stokes Croft for too long and the local community is impatient to bring this historic and landmark site back into use.
“While we do not know what the final plan will look like we are looking for a creative mix of much-needed housing, commercial and business units and public space.
“The re-development will provide a vital shot-in-the-arm for the community, attracting new investment, attract more visitors and create new jobs and training opportunities.”
Knightstone development and homeownership director Mike Day said: ‘We’re really pleased to have been selected as the developer for this project.
“It’s an exciting opportunity which will allow us to build on the excellent work we’ve already been doing with the city council and community organisations, on regeneration projects in Bristol.
“We’re committed to supporting and encouraging vibrant, stable and safe communities and will continue to work closely with the local community to deliver plans that meet their needs.”
The council has approved a decision to impose a Compulsory Purchase Order on the site if talks with its owners to sell it fail.
To view Knightstone's three options go to http://carriageworks.org.uk
