Proposals to kickstart a long-awaited regeneration of part of Bedminster have been approved by Bristol City Council after being revised.
Bristol-based developer Firmstone’s scaled-down plans now include 180 much-needed homes, newly refurbished retail units on East Street and increased public open space including a small park, children’s play area and a landscaped walking and cycling route through from Dalby Road to Mill Lane. 
Designed by Bristol architects Stride Treglown, the mixed-use scheme will offer a full range of one, two, and three-bedroom homes in three new buildings on the site, including a 14-floor building on the corner of Dalby Avenue.
A previous scheme with 205 homes in five blocks, shops, offices and a cinema was rejected by the council last year.
Firmstone said the revised scheme took an ‘East Street First’ approach to regenerating the retail spaces, with existing shops on the East Street side of the development being replaced with new, modern shops and the historic façade refurbished or rebuilt.
This will breathe new life into the area and mark the start of the area’s retail revival, particularly given the increased footfall to and from the new development.
Firmstone director said Francis Firmstone said: “This is brilliant news for the future of this important part of Bedminster and for East Street. We can now get going on the regeneration of St Catherine’s Place and start delivering the homes and investment the area so badly needs, as well as supporting the revival of East Street. 
“We believe our proposals will create a step-change for the area, creating a real focal point for the local community, as well as generating jobs and supporting local businesses and providing 180 new homes for the city.
“I’d like to thank all the local residents and retailers who supported our proposals, as well as Mike Orr from CSJ Planning and Council officers who worked with us over the past few months and look forward to creating the fantastic new neighbourhood that Bedminster deserves.”
Firmstone is also making nearly £1.25m of community contributions, partly via the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and in relation to wider transport improvements.
A new open-air pedestrian route, Mill Lane Greenway will provide a direct link between Bedminster Green and East Street. Designed to celebrate the area’s industrial heritage, it will include planting, cobble stones and historic mill stones recovered during archaeological investigations on site.
The scheme will offer areas of public open space including a new pocket park on Mill Lane, providing accessible green space to rest, play and socialise. Private amenity space for the new homes includes a new children’s play area.
Bristol-based CSJ Planning acted for Firmstone as planning advisors.
Pictured: Top, the entrance to St Catherine’s Place route, Bottom, the view St Catherine’s Place from Dalby Avenue
