New hotel and floating restaurant proposed for Bristol's harbourside
If approved, the £24m development, which could also include an area for market stalls and events, could see the land alongside restaurant Bordeaux Quay, currently owned by Bristol City Council, transformed into a new tourist and leisure area.
Discussions have already started between Manor Property Group, the company leading the development and InterContinental Group to open the hotel under its Hotel Indigo brand managed by Interstate while CODA Architects in Bristol are working on designs.
Mark Bailey, development director at Manor Property Group, said: “We’ve been working on this scheme for around 18 months, having assembled an excellent team to deliver each element of this exciting offer. It would provide a new focus in the heart of Bristol bringing jobs, investment and extend the city’s leisure use.
“We would be looking to work with local restaurateurs to occupy those elements of the scheme and have already had some preliminary talks with the city council.”
Leisure needs
Architect Ronnie Rennoldson, founding director of CODA Architects, said the designs for the hotel, which would appear to float, included a small reception area widening out to a glass open space.
“We’ve designed a ‘roofed over’ public space which itself, creates an atmospheric route to the existing Lloyds amphitheatre, as well as an all-weather protection for outdoor markets and events. The 125 bed hotel has restaurants and a bar beneath and enjoys views of the harbour-side location from a rooftop restaurant.
“The overall height of the building gives presence and the facilities provided meet the leisure needs of the city.
“The inclusion of a floating restaurant accessed from a pontoon in St Augustine’s Reach would connect with Bristol’s maritime heritage and be another exciting venue for the city.”
Plans also include the creation of a big wheel which would afford views of St Mary Redcliffe, the city centre and the waterfront.
Details of the proposed scheme have been sent to city councillors and local interest groups to open initial discussions about the future of the land, which has been called Waterfront Square.
