We were appointed by the University of Bristol to develop a Strategic Masterplan for the Central Precinct area. The site is highly prominent on the Bristol skyline and forms an important part of the character of the city. It is also an historically sensitive site, covering four conservation areas and including a number of significant Listed buildings including the Grade I Listed Royal Fort House and Gardens at the heart of the site, with the impressive Wills Memorial Tower and Library adjacent.

Our brief was to produce a vision for the University which would accommodate expansion and consolidation of the site over the next 10-15 years. The scheme includes provision of 50,000 square metres of new build, including a new Learning Resource Centre, Student Union, teaching accommodation and recreation facilities on a range of demanding building sites across the precinct. It also provides the opportunity for an iconic tall building for the city.

At the outset of the appointment extensive research was undertaken to develop a conservation strategy for the site, which explored its special significance in terms of archaeology, historical development, landscape and townscape.

Working in consultation with Bristol City Council, English Heritage and a range of local stakeholder groups, we developed proposals which have been extensively analysed in both 3D CAD and physical models. Special attention was paid to proposals for the landscape and streetscape solutions within the masterplan, including development of a careful strategy for traffic management in key public spaces through a “shared space” philosophy.

The design scheme was reviewed by CABE in February 2005 and was subsequently adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance by the City Council, forming the basis of an ambitious phase of building to re-shape the University over the coming decade.