Development partner Deeley Freed and global real estate investment manager LaSalle Investment Management have obtained outline planning permission from Bristol City Council for the redevelopment of The Galleries Shopping Centre in Bristol, which will include a new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development.
The Galleries’ PBSA element will comprise up to 750 student bedrooms. Located adjacent to Castle Park, the site boasts excellent connectivity to public transport including Temple Meads station. The redevelopment will help unlock Bristol City Council’s plans to regenerate the city centre.
The surrounding infrastructure will undergo significant enhancements to make it greener and more pedestrian-friendly. The redevelopment will also support the Council’s sustainability goals, facilitating the delivery of a low-carbon District Heat Network and enhancing urban accessibility.
“Following an extensive consultation process with local stakeholders, we’re delighted to have secured planning approval to transform Bristol city centre and provide the local community with new homes, commercial space, amenities, and green space.
“We’re committed to investing for the long term and this ambitious redevelopment scheme demonstrates our ability to create value and better meet the needs of future residents, occupiers and visitors.”
Tom Lewis, Fund Manager – UK Custom Accounts, LaSalle Investment Management
Designed by AHM Architects, the proposed development includes plans for up to 450 new homes and 8,000 sqm of ground-floor space dedicated to retail, leisure, dining, health and community facilities.
In addition, the site will feature approximately 46,000 sqm of modern, sustainable employment space, and the potential for a 240-room hotel or aparthotel. The development will also incorporate 1.5 acres of high-quality public realm which will look to bring Castle Park closer to the city centre.
A central feature of the development will be a new green transportation hub accessed via Fairfax Street, shifting the focus away from parking towards sustainable travel options. This regeneration project also aims to enliven Bristol’s nighttime economy, re-imagining the area as a vibrant city centre destination that will benefit residents and visitors.
“We’re delighted Bristol City Council has voted to support this redevelopment project. It is a once-in-a-generation chance to re-invent, revitalise and modernise such a large part of the city centre.
“Our vision involves completely transforming this 1980s shopping centre, making the site more diverse, safe and sustainable. The redevelopment of this site will bring more people to live and work in the city centre, accelerating the regeneration of the area.”
Max Freed, Director, Deeley Freed
Additionally, the proposal reimagines public spaces – where the current Galleries site lack open areas. The new design will dedicate a third of the site to high-quality, welcoming public space.
The redevelopment thoughtfully incorporates Bristol’s heritage by preserving the Merchant Almshouses and Greyhound Hotel, currently obscured by The Galleries structure, into the new design.
