Working in coordination with the neighbouring Crown Sawmills site, the proposals reimagine the long-vacant brownfield site, opening 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.

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.

By opening the site to the River Frome, the scheme establishes the starting point for a new riverside walk that will extend through future phases of the Frome Gateway Regeneration Framework. New Riverside Gardens provide public access to the river and introduce a nature-led pedestrian route, transforming a previously low-value brownfield site through extensive planting, landscaped public spaces and ecological enhancements that significantly improve local biodiversity.

Sustainability and active travel are integral to the proposal with the car-free scheme prioritising walking and cycling through new routes and generous cycle storage. The student accommodation is designed to achieve a BREEAM New Construction ‘Excellent’ rating and can connect to the local district heating network, supporting the city’s wider climate and energy objectives.

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 to create a varied skyline, while a rich brick palette draws inspiration from the former colour works and nearby historic buildings such as Globe House, the Malthouse and Vestry Hall. Influences from Bristol Byzantine architecture are expressed by using stone at ground floor, arched features to key entrances, bespoke window ventilation panels, and carefully articulated brickwork, establishing a robust building that sets the tone for future development across the Frome Gateway.

James Thomas, Associate at JTP commented, “Working with Dandara and the design team to achieve planning approval for the Little George Street project has been a positive and fulfilling experience. Collaboration with the local community and planning authority has enriched the design proposals, and the scheme responds positively to the city’s ambitions for Frome Gateway, converting a vacant site into a distinctive new place while sensitively acknowledging its broader context and industrial heritage.”

Rachel Allwood, Planning Director at Dandara commented, “For almost two years we have worked closely with council officers and local partners to ensure this development supports the regeneration ambitions for St Jude’s and delivers real benefits for local people. The outcome is a high-quality scheme that creates new student accommodation, a dedicated community space for the Albaseera Bristol Masjid and a beautiful riverside garden open to everyone.”