Project Summary

• Provision of new Arts block and student entrance onto Cheltenham Road
• Construction of new music pavilion
• Internal refurbishment of wider school buildings
• Listed building consent applications for associated works to listed buildings
• Associated minor works to compliment the masterplan

Development Description

Needing an updated arts and music facility, CSJ Planning secured consent for a modern and exciting development for Colston Girls School on Cheltenham Road. The development consisted of a 3 storey Arts block, 1 storey Music block, car parking provision and wider refurbishment works. Alongside these two blocks, a smart glass infill was proposed that would operate as a reception area. This would occupy a key position on Cheltenham Road providing a frontage representing the institution.

Planning Process

The design of the development was highly respectful of the Montpelier Conservation Area the school resides in. An important dimension of the planning process was mapping out this visual relationship. Bristol City Council concluded the development preserved the surrounding heritage significance. Also, another challenge for the application was the loss of trees the development incurred. Appropriate mitigation measures were successfully negotiated with the Council. Once granted consent, it was opened in September 2011 and won an RIBA South West regional Award and BCSE Award in 2012.