Frome Gateway Development set to progress as decisions loom on plans

THE transformation of an industrial area close to the M32 in Bristol into a place offering thousands of new homes is set to take a huge step forward next week, when councillors decide on two separate plans to redevelop two industrial sites.

- Tristan CORK

The area to the south of the M32 as it runs into Bristol between St Pauls and St Judes has been named the 'Frome Gateway' regeneration area, with council chiefs drawing up a blueprint for developments on either side of the River Frome as it flows parallel to the motorway.

But now, planning officers have recommended the first two schemes to turn two of the major industrial sites there - a historic old timber yard and a former dyers that was most recently a plant hire company into hundreds of new homes.

If the plans are approved by councillors meeting next week, drivers heading down the M32 into Bristol could soon begin to see tower blocks of flats being built on the left-hand side, as the 'Frome Gateway' proposals get underway.

One proposal is for the former Alide plant hire firm, on a site which backs onto Logos House, close to the Cabot Circus multi-storey car park. Developers want to demolish the industrial warehouse units there and instead build a series of tower blocks ranging from six to 12 storeys high, which would house 360 purpose-built student (PBSA) accommodation rooms.