University of Bristol 'Humanities Hub'
Acting on behalf of the University of Bristol, CSJ Planning Consultants has secured the relevant consents for a new ‘Humanities Hub’ within the rear gardens of a series of listed villas on Woodland Road. The development, which will provide a lecture theatre, flexible teaching space, breakout areas and staff offices for the Faculty of Arts, will significantly enhance student services and facilities and enable the University to compete with other higher education providers at both a national and global level.
The new Hub requires the demolition of part of a 1980s infill development designed by MacCormack Jamieson Pritchard (MJP). Although there was no objection to the demolition of these buildings from Historic England or Bristol City Council, upon reviewing the proposals 20th Century Society made an application to Historic England have the buildings listed. This led to a delay while Historic England assessed whether the buildings met the listing selection criteria. Whilst it was eventually concluded that the buildings did not meet the high bar set for buildings of recent past to be worthy of listing, CSJ Planning used this intervening period to work with Bristol City Council planning officers to resolve issues are around design, transport and replacement tree planting.
In addition to the high quality design of the scheme, the new Hub has been developed to meet high sustainability credentials, incorporating a living roof, blue roof, sustainable drainage measures and solar pv panels. It will also achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating.
Demolition works are due to commence in June with completion of the development targeted for September 2019, which is the start of the University academic year.
