The developer behind Bristol’s Redcliff Quarter scheme has spoken of his ambition to create an “inspirational development” that will enhance the city’s reputation as a hub for cutting-edge design, culture and artisan food and drink.
The £250m project – the biggest underway in the city centre and one of the largest in the UK – aims to transform a long-derelict 3.3-acre parcel of land between St Thomas Street and Redcliffe Street in the historic Redcliffe area into a vibrant area with homes, bars, restaurants, a European-style food hall, upmarket hotel and co-working space. 
For Ron Persaud, director of developer Change Real Estate, Redcliff Quarter is a chance to spark a step-change in the type of development Bristol has seen in recent years.
It is the Kent-based firm’s flagship project – it has three others in Bristol in various stages of development and a number across the South of England – and is its most ambitious.
Ron, who recently moved to the Bristol area from Sussex, says Redcliff Quarter’s architecture will reflect the artisanal character and industrial heritage of this part of Bristol.
The plans drawn up by Hampshire-based architects Lyons Sleaman Hoare include roof top and courtyard gardens, balconies and terraces, as well as internal courtyards, which they say will help create an attractive and interesting streetscape, maximising light and enhancing the unique character of the area.
With phase one of the scheme made up of 128 apartments now complete, the second phase is now underway.
First out of the ground will be two residential blocks, adjoining the completed new homes in phase1 which were acquired by A2 Dominion, and are being marketing under its Fabrica brand.
The 118 new apartments will be in two blocks – including the much-commented-on 22-storey tower – and will be available for private rent with 45 classified as affordable.
Change Real Estate bought part of the site in February 2014 then added the phase two area in the October. Work started last year and completion is expected in 2022. The area has been the subject of a number of failed regeneration projects over recent years – but has on the whole remained derelict.
While the apartments make up the lion’s share of the site, it is the food hall that excites Ron.
In the early planning stage he was approached by Bristol’s Michelin-starred chef Josh Eggleton, who runs The Pony & Trap at Chew Magna, with the idea of a continental-style food market – a pedestrianised street flanked by independent bars, cafes and food shops.
The result will be a 15,000 sq ft focal point for the whole area open 16 hours a day where visitors and residents can enjoy high-quality, local food and drink, watch cookery demonstrations and take food home to prepare themselves.
Ron visualises an attraction similar to Lisbon’s acclaimed Time Out Market, which has helped make the Portuguese capital one of Europe’s top food cities. There will also be novel street entertainment – high-level rings and wires for trapeze artists and other circus performers will be built-in during construction.
Meanwhile, he has signed up an operator for the site’s 239-bedroom hotel which will bring cool European-style ‘upscale lifestyle’ accommodation – equivalent to four-star – to Bristol. It will be the firm’s first UK outlet for its boutique brand, which is already in Madrid, Milan and Hamburg.
Ron added: “We were able to see the long-term potential in this site from day one, to transform a derelict and little used area into a development that will make a positive contribution to Bristol.
“Situated in the heart of a conservation area we know that we are guardians of a much-loved and protected part of the city. We take these responsibilities very seriously and will continue to work closely with the local community throughout the development.”
Bristol City Council deputy mayor for finance and governance, Cllr Craig Cheney, added: “This area of the city was once a thriving space of industrial and economic activity that played a major role in the growth of the trading and industrious city Bristol became known as.
“This development will help breathe new life into the area, bringing a positive economic contribution to the city and ensure Redcliffe continues to play a role in helping us build a city of hope and aspiration.”
