Student accommodation at Prince William and Matthew House now complete and occupied
Prince William House is a grade II listed former carriage works located on Colston Street in the centre of Bristol. The building was converted for office use in the late 20th century and, as a result of the intensive refurbishment works, much of the historic fabric was lost. The remaining heritage value can be derived largely from the striking, arched principal façade. Matthew House abuts the southern boundary wall of Prince William House and was sensitively designed to reflect the historic features of the latter. Matthew House was constructed in the early 1990s and received a Civic Trust award in 1993 for its unique, yet sympathetic design. Following the reconstruction of Matthew House, the two properties were connected internally to form a single office complex. Approximately 2 years ago, CSJ were employed by local developer, Urban Creation, to help secure planning permission for the change of use and part redevelopment of the buildings to provide student apartments. There were several obstacles that needed to be overcome, including the loss of an employment use, design and impact on the historic environment. CSJ co-ordinated a professional team including Architects, Archaeologists, Energy Consultants, Transport Consultants, Property Agents, Acoustic Consultants and Community Consultants to produce a robust argument for the development to proceed. There was also proactive input from the Council’s Urban Design Team and Conservation Officer, as well as local residents and amenity groups. The process of securing the ‘right’ planning permission was not altogether straightforward, and required the following applications: • Certificate of lawfulness for proposed works to a listed building • Full planning • 3 x listed building applications • S73 MMA application • Advertisement consent application • Various conditions discharge applications Eventually, the necessary consents were granted and the new site owners were able to commence works in early 2016. Now, around 7 months later, the scheme is complete and occupied. The development provides 69 apartments (75 bedspaces) for students (Sui Generis) and the new and refurbished sections have delivered a welcome enhancement to the street scene and wider conservation area. Studio Henley Architect’s solution for the principal elevation and new rear section of Prince William House has been particularly well received. All in all, a very successful scheme.
