Little George Street, Bristol

Bristol City Council

Project type Urban Quarter

Client Dandara

Stage Planning Approval

Project type Urban Quarter

Client Dandara

Stage Planning Approval

Student-led riverside regeneration unlocking one of Bristol’s most significant brownfield opportunities

As one of the first sites to come forward in Bristol’s Frome Gateway Regeneration Area, Little George Street delivers 360 purpose-built student rooms alongside workspace, a dedicated community facility, new public gardens and extensive riverside improvements that transform a long-vacant brownfield site into a connected new place and part of the wider regeneration strategy.

Working in coordination with the neighbouring Crown Sawmills site, the proposals open up previously inaccessible land to reconnect Eugene Street to the River Frome – directly supporting Bristol City Council’s ambition for a greener, more connected riverside corridor. The new Riverside Gardens provide the first section of a continuous riverside walk that will extend through future phases of the Frome Gateway Regeneration Framework, establishing public access to the river that has long been denied.

Unanimous planning approval serving as one of the first pioneer applications to launch the Frome Gateway Regeneration Area

At ground level, 324sqm of community, workspace and amenity uses establish active frontages that animate the route between Eugene Street and Frome Colourworks, creating an engaging movement corridor and a well-integrated public realm. The prominent community hub has been developed in close collaboration with the local community including Albaseera Bristol Masjid who worked with the design team on a potential brief and layout. This has shaped a dedicated facility that responds directly to local needs and anchors it within its neighbourhood.

The car-free development prioritises active travel through new walking and cycling routes and generous cycle storage. Student accommodation is designed to achieve a BREEAM New Construction ‘Excellent’ rating and can connect to the local district heating network, supporting Bristol’s wider climate and energy objectives.

Establishing the foundations for the Bristol’s future, wider riverside walk

Opening up previously restricted, private industrial land to create the Riverside Gardens and a nature-led pedestrian route, Little George Street features an extraordinary 13,000% increase in local habitat units and a 20% increase in watercourse units through complex rain gardens, roof terraces and indigenous planting

The architectural approach reflects both the industrial heritage of the site and Bristol’s distinctive built character. Building heights step from six to twelve storeys, while a rich brick palette draws on the former colour works and nearby landmarks including Globe House, the Malthouse and Vestry Hall. Influences from Bristol Byzantine architecture are expressed through stone at ground floor, arched entrance features, bespoke window ventilation panels and carefully articulated brickwork – establishing a robust character that sets the tone for future development across the Frome Gateway.