Giving St Mary le Port back its identity

View from the east side of Castle Park looking west

Three buildings, three characters, responding to the area’s history

We selected the Bath-based Architects, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBStudios), to design the new buildings because of their reputation for high-quality sustainable architecture and long-term involvement in Bristol and their deep understanding of the city’s diverse places and people.

FCBStudios have been working with the design team and local community representatives to test ideas and develop designs for the three buildings. As the plan below shows, the design of each building has been carefully considered to ensure that each responds differently to its context – whether it be the historic context, the neighbouring Castle Park or the Floating Harbour – whilst also creating a cohesive and interesting family of new buildings in the city.

The emerging masterplan proposal

Overall, the design approach is in-line with Bristol City Council’s City Centre Planning Policy Framework and its action on the climate change and ecological emergency.


Building A – The Dutch House

Building A takes inspiration from the historic Dutch House that once stood here. This position on the site lends itself to the re-establishment of the historic cross-roads of the High Street, Corn Street, Broad Street and Wine Street. Building A’s jetting floors project over the public realm creating a modern interpretation of building that was once such a significant part of Bristol’s City Centre.


Building B – The Waterfront

Building B marks the arrival into the historic city from Bristol Bridge but also the new entrance into the park along Bridge Street. The building’s design draws on the Bristol Byzantine and warehouse context of the Floating Harbour, whilst also responding to the curves of St. Nicholas House across the road, to form a series of terraces stepping down to the waterfront and Castle Park.


Building C – The Park Frontage

Building C takes its inspiration from Bristol’s Regency architecture, examples of which can be found on Corn Street and Broad Street. The elevations and simple form create a grand park frontage, whilst turning to the historic alignment of the ruins to the south. Located furthest away from the historic centre, Building C sits adjacent to the park with the upper floors sensitively set back to maintain views of Christ Church from Castle Park.


View of High Cross Corner, Building A