A London-based firm has set a target date of the autumn next year to start ripping down one of Bristol’s worst eyesores and redeveloping the site.

Westmoreland House and the listed Carriageworks next door which fronts onto Stokes Croft have stood derelict for nearly 30 years, blighting one of the main gateways into the city.

Fifth Capital has struck a deal with the owners, Comer Homes, to redevelop the site and are expected to submit a planning application to the city council “in the next several weeks” with the hope of winning consent early next year.

Fifth Capital director Marc Pennick said: “Building works could start in autumn 2015 and we would complete a phased development programme in late 2017 or 2018.”

He was responding to a meeting earlier this week which was organised by the Carriageworks Action Group (CAG) and led to a great deal of speculation about Fifth Capital’s scheme due to the long and complex history of the site.

There were many comments that the scheme was a deliberate delaying tactic to stop any development of the site because it was worth more as a paper asset than being regenerated.

Mr Pennick told the Bristol Post: “It is a disgrace that this important site has been derelict for so long.

“Fifth Capital is fresh to the site and committed to seeing the project through after decades of neglect, delay and failed attempts.

“In 12 months we have secured a controlling interest in the site, we’ve brought together a respected team of architects and technical experts and are now within weeks of submitting a planning application. We have entered into a Planning Performance Agreement with Bristol City Council to set a target date for a decision on our application.

“We want to create a scheme that fits in well with the vibrant character of Stokes Croft, creates much needed new private and affordable homes, employment and community space.

“At the heart of the project is the full renovation of the Grade II* listed Carriageworks building and we are excited that our plans also include a new public space, public art and high quality materials and design throughout.”

He said his team had a track record of taking on challenging sites and building high quality new homes and offices, investing in places, and creating new jobs and opportunities.

One of the crucial issues about Fifth Capital’s scheme is its viability – whether it is commercially “deliverable”. This is because the city council has already salted away £600,000 to start compulsory purchase order proceedings to buy the site and regenerate it with its preferred developer, Knightstone Housing which was chosen after a lengthy selection process.

If Fifth Capital’s scheme is not viable – which will not be known until it is submitted – then there is less risk for the city council to press ahead with its CPO.

Mr Pennick said: “We are confident that we can deliver a scheme that is both commercially successful and meets the needs and aspirations of Bristol City Council and the local community.

“We take the viability and deliverability of the scheme very seriously. We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t think it would work.”

Asked if there was any link between Fifth Capital and Comer Homes, Mr Pennick said: “Fifth Capital London has bought an option from Comer Homes.

“This is a legal right to buy the site at a future date, if certain conditions are satisfied, and then build our scheme. Right now it gives us a controlling land interest, an ability to access the site and prepare a planning application.”

He said they would be happy to meet with the local community to discuss the scheme on top of the two public exhibitions which have already been held.

He added: “We know that there is a lot of passion for the site and that Bristol City Council and the local community have put a lot of effort into setting out a vision for the Carriageworks and Westmoreland House.

“This work has been really important in helping us to develop our proposals.

“Throughout the project we have sought to meet with our neighbours as well as community and amenity groups, councillors and businesses – as well as hosting two public exhibitions.

“We want to work with Bristol City Council and our neighbours to ensure that we create a scheme that adds to the vitality and character of Stokes Croft, which everyone can be proud of.

“Where meetings give us the opportunity to get valuable input and help us develop our scheme for the better, we welcome them.

“People are telling us that after over 30 years of dereliction and failed attempts by other developers, the priority is to get the site moving. That’s exactly what we’re going to do.”

LAST OCCUPIED IN 1986
Westmoreland House is a six-storey 1960s concrete framed office building which was last occupied in 1986 by the Football Pools.
The Carriageworks, which fronts onto Stokes Croft, is a Grade II* listed building which was built in 1862 in the Bristol Byzantine style. It was originally designed and used as a showroom for carriages.
It is currently in a list of top ten ‘Heritage at Risk’ sites in the south west which has been drawn up by English Heritage.

At the rear of the site is No. 4 Ashley Road, a derelict but Grade II listed house.
The site as a whole has been derelict for more than 30 years.
Comer Homes, the site’s owners, submitted a plan for 147 homes in 2007 and a revised scheme was turned down two years later.
A planning inspector refused an appeal and in 2012, the council renewed its decision to go ahead with compulsory purchase order proceedings.
Fifth Capital revealed its scheme earlier this year.

Pictured: Marc Pennick from a London firm of developers called Fifth Capital which has come up with a new plan to redevelop derelict Westmoreland House and the Carriageworks in Stokes Croft.