Responses to feedback
RLAMP has widely engaged residents, businesses and organisations to help shape the vision for Distillery.
This page summarises how we will respond to their aspirations through the design process.
New, high-quality office space that supports economic growth
Many of the people we engaged understood the need for new best-in-class offices to attract and retain professional employment and support the city’s economy. There was also strong acknowledgment of the benefits of developing an under-utilised city centre site.
By delivering a mix of new office suites, RLAMP’s investment will help to meet the changing needs of modern businesses and respond to the lifestyle preferences of their employees. We continue to work with professional advisors, the local community and other stakeholders to understand what these buildings need to deliver to support Bristol’s economy.
Public open space including the landscaped urban park
Respondents shared positive views on the proposed landscaped urban park, telling us that that a calm, tranquil environment with planting and space for people to sit and relax would be a welcome addition to the area.
RLAMP has evolved the original 2015 masterplan to give greater priority to the environment. Distillery will deliver a welcoming urban park with planting, seating and an open area of lawn to create a well-lit and accessible environment for office workers and people passing through the area.
Upskilling local people
People were enthusiastic about opportunities to upskill the local workforce and support people into employment and training. It was suggested that access to training and education could be provided through apprenticeships, internships, workshops and mentoring opportunities.
Our social impact initiatives seek to support local people into education, skills and training. We propose to achieve this by working with schools and charities through careers events and mentoring.
Active ground floor spaces
We received a range of feedback about how the internal ground floor spaces could be used to benefit the area. There was a clear appetite for small retail shops or a café/restaurant.
We want to deliver a variety of spaces to encourage a variety of uses. RLAMP continues to work with local businesses and organisations to explore how best to deliver a business district which supports the community and employment, while improving the feel of the area.
Prioritising active travel
Feedback indicated that safe and accessible travel routes through the area are important to help promote sustainable transport for commuting and to improve the environment.
Distillery will prioritise active travel by establishing separate footpaths and cycle routes, which seamlessly connect the scheme to surrounding city quarters; and by providing high-quality end-of-journey facilities (cycle parking, showers and changing facilities) for office workers.
Sustainable design
High-quality, sustainable architecture and design were highlighted as important considerations in the feedback. Respondents want Distillery to complement the character of the surrounding area, adding variability to the skyline.
The scheme designs will protect key views of the historic Soapworks buildings and will deliver an elegant and well-proportioned addition to the city’s skyline.
Distillery will integrate sustainability into the construction methodology, using materials which fit within their local historic context (brick and terracotta). The scheme will adopt a ‘fabric first’ approach to energy efficiency and will connect to the District Heat Network.
Biodiversity
Respondents were supportive of the proposed native planting and green spaces as part of the landscaped urban park, improving rainfall attenuation, support eco-systems and regulate urban temperatures.
Detailed assessments measuring the biodiversity of the site have found that Distillery will deliver 22.47% biodiversity net gain (BNG), surpassing the mandatory 10% BNG legal requirement for all developments.
Heritage
While feedback on heritage was limited, respondents felt that the scheme should complement the feel and character of the area.
The scheme has been designed to respect its surrounding historic context in terms of materiality and scale. RLAMP’s restoration of the listed Printers Devil public house and refurbishment of other Georgian-fronted buildings on Broad Plain (within its wider ownership) will further support the revitalisation of the area for the benefit of business occupiers and members of the local community.
Management and accessibility
Our community engagement told us that people want Distillery to be a tranquil, welcoming business district that is accessible for all.
We continue to work with local communities and stakeholders to explore how the new urban park and public spaces can be created and managed for the benefit of everyone.
