award winning architects

Victoria Street Office Building

Victoria Street Office Building Bristol

Client:
London and County Estates
Location:
Bristol
Contact:
Graham Stephens 0117 974 3271 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Securing planning permission for a tall building can be a tall order. Stride Treglown worked closely with London and County following their purchase of a, now very dated, 1970s 5 storey commercial building in Bristol City centre.

The site is located in an area which the Council's Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) considered inappropriate for a tall building. In order to support the principle of a tall building (defined by the Council as more than 8 storeys or 27m), we prepared a detailed assessment of the wider area using the criteria set out in the SPG and taking best practice policy examples from around the UK. The resultant report, which addressed the relationship with existing tall building clusters, accessibility, the protection of strategic view corridors and heritage impacts, was submitted to and accepted by the Council officers.

There then followed lengthy consultation with council officers and others to ensure support for the design of the building. The benefits of a (tall) "landmark" building in this location was subsequently supported and planning permission granted, although at appeal. The scheme will transform this area of the City Centre and provide in excess of 85,000sqft of new commercial floor space.