A planning committee has approved the latest proposal to redevelop the site of the Bristol Royal Infirmary Old Building in record time, with Councillors thanking officers, consultees and the developers. The top image (right) shows the current view and the lower image shows the view following redevelopment. This year the developers, Unite Students PLC, changed architects to Alec French Architects. The Society welcomed the new plans.
The scheme will retain the Marlborough Street building, remove the extensions, drainpipes and other accretions, and restore the principal street elevation. The fenestration will be not be restored to the original proportions, but the new form will regularise the current hotch pot. The Society accepts this change in the circumstances. There will be purpose-built, student accommodation behind the Old Building on a falling site that will not adversely affect the retained building. The new buildings will be good neighbours to the hospital buildings in Lower Maudlin Street and to the listed St. James Priory.
BRI September 2019 update with links to earlier Civic Society comments.
John Frenkel
johnfrenkel5@gmail.com
