Green light given for plans to build two giant buildings in centre of Bristol – South West

Green light given for plans to build two giant buildings in centre of BristolPlanners have given the green light to two new giant buildings in the heart of the city centre.One of the buildings will be 28 storeys high and become the tallest building in the city centre.The two buildings will replace the Premier Inn which overlooks the Bearpit roundabout.Developers have been given planning permission to knock down the Premier Inn and the nearby NCP car park on Rupert Street.The two buildings will include student flats and hundreds of “co-living” rooms.Councillors on the development control A committee at Bristol City Council voted to approve permission for both sets of plans at the Bearpit and Rupert Street.The Premier Inn will be demolished, and two blocks will replace it, a 28-storey tower of 422 student bedrooms and an 18-storey tower of 142 co-living rooms.Developers Olympian Homes said the area around the buildings will be vastly improved, particularly for passengers leaving the nearby coach station.There are also plans for a new public square.Mark Slatter, chairman of Olympian Homes, said: “This development would replace a very tired building with what we hope will be the most elegant tall building in Bristol, helping relieve the pressure on wider family housing stock and providing 26 affordable co-living homes at key city workers, including those employed at the nearby Bristol Royal Infirmary.“Co-living provides an accessible option for renters, costing about 25 per cent less than renting a one-bedroom flat. Our development would also transform the public space in this location. I can assure you that we will start the development this year, this will get built.”Developers Pegasus Group now have permission to replace the Rupert Street car park with a new car park, as well as 328 student beds and 249 co-living studios.The new building will be up to 20 storeys tall. The public area on the street outside will also be improved, with new public art, benches, and planting. 20 per cent of the co-living studios in both developments will be “affordable”.