Update #31 Site has been sold to Square Bay/Acorn

The sale on the St Christopher’s site has now been finalised: the new owner is London-based Square Bay Property and the developer will be Acorn Property Group, the same developers as the Bristol Zoo Gardens scheme

A confidential pre-application has already been submitted to Bristol city council, for what we understand will be a residential development.

Details of this plan have not yet been made public yet but Square Bay has told SCAN  that some of the large villas facing the downs could be converted into flats and others refurbished as single homes, Grace House, the grade 2 listed part of the old school will probably be turned into flats, and the rest of the site will be 2-3 storey houses. There is no further detail at this stage but of course, we are trying to find out more.

What is not clear yet, is how they intend to fulfil the obligations of the Asset of Community Value status, a legal protection which can influence a planning decision. This status means that any new developer must bring about a scheme that contains genuine social well being and benefit for the community. A green space for the local school has been mentioned as a possibility, as well as a respite home for children with disabilities.

We are awaiting info about when community consultation will start - we hope sooner rather than later.  And we will let you know how you can get involved.