The long-awaited transformation of one of Bristol’s historic areas could become a reality soon after developers submitted a planning application for a new neighbourhood with food court, restaurants – including a rooftop eatery with views across the city – offices, apartments and a hotel.
Much of Redcliff Quarter has lain derelict for around 25 years despite its city centre location. The application from Kent-based Change Real Estate will regenerate the conservation area between St Thomas Street, Redcliff Street and Three Queens Lane which is currently occupied by under-utilised and decaying post-war industrial units. 
It also includes a new pedestrian street linking St Thomas Street and Redcliff Street.
Change Real Estate says the area will become “a new, vibrant urban destination”, contributing 400-500 jobs and an estimated £7m a year to the local economy once completed.
The £180m, 600,000 sq ft scheme is being brought forward as a joint venture between Change Real Estate, Bristol-based Cannon Family Office and London-based funder ICG Longbow.
Change Real Estate acquired the 2.5-acre site in 2014. At the heart of its planned mixed-use scheme will be a food court, cafés and restaurants that will complement the city’s growing reputation as a centre for food culture.
Change Real Estate director Ron Persaud said: “We are already in discussion with some exciting food operators, chefs and restaurateurs who are keen to be a part of this development.”
The Rezidor Hotel Group has confirmed its commitment to the scheme and will be bringing its new urban lifestyle hotel – Radisson Red – to Redcliff Quarter.
The 185-bed hotel will be on the corner of St Thomas Street and the development’s new east-west pedestrian street. Change Real Estate said it would attract around 70,000 guests a year and will contribute around £5m to the local economy annually.
The plans also include up to 20,000 sq ft of office accommodation and 300 apartments. Buildings will include roof-top and courtyard gardens, balconies and terraces, as well as internal courtyards.
The streetscape will be improved with widened pavements creating a pedestrian-friendly environment, reflecting the changing nature of the local traffic flow over recent years. On-street parking bays will be retained with underground car parking for the new development.
Ron Persaud added: “Our proposed plans will revive this underutilised area of the city with a vibrant and high-quality ‘18-hour city’ development, with its own, unique identity that embraces the character and heritage of the neighbourhood.
“We underwent public consultation before Christmas and have been working closely with the local authority to reach this point. We have listened carefully to what everyone has to say, resulting in the plans we are now submitting.
“Redcliff Quarter will become a new destination in the heart of the city, close to excellent public transport networks and occupying a prime location close to the Harbourside, and Bristol’s business and retail quarters.”
The plans have been drawn up by award-winning Hampshire-based architects Lyons Sleaman Hoare, who have particular experience of designing within historic and listed environments. Bilfinger GVA has provided planning advice.
Change Real Estate has a reputation for its ability to successfully and sensitively transform sites or buildings that have had a history of failed or troubled development. It is currently renovating part of one of Bristol’s most recognisable Georgian terraces at Redcliffe Parade West.
