Landmark office development gains outline planning in Bristol’s North Fringe
Outline planning permission has been granted for the Parklands Office Development in Bristol Parkway, South Gloucestershire. Due to its proximity to Parkway Station, and the advent of high-speed rail connections to London planned to be operational by 2017, this North Fringe site is considered amongst the best office development opportunities available in Bristol for major occupiers.
Working with developer Ashfield Land, AWW has created the design for a high-quality, innovative and environmentally responsive four storey 18,500 sqm office building aimed to attract large national or multinational companies. This will replace a poor quality 1970s office building on the southern area of the site.
The office accommodation is open plan around a central courtyard, with a generous double-height light-filled entrance foyer. Outdoor spaces are created at each level to give solar shading to the office, a part sheltered external space and a place to enjoy views into the rear garden and over Bristol.
The two storey basement allows parking provision to be maximised with minimal impact on the surroundings, and also houses cycle parking and shower facilities. The draft travel plan promotes use of public transport (with a proposed new bus stop nearby), cycling, car sharing and walking.
Occupiers will benefit from a building designed to meet the new WELL Building Standard, a system for enhancing the wellbeing of those who work there. WELL addresses issues such as healthy and social eating, enhanced acoustics, less distraction, lighting and views, as well as flexible and adaptable workspaces.
The Parklands site is the in the centre of the Forest of Avon, and this brownfield area will be developed to create rich habitats for wildlife. Over 90 large new trees will be planted, together with indigenous hedgerows and smaller tree groups to significantly add to the overall greenery, while protecting the privacy of near neighbours.
“We are delighted to be involved in the regeneration of this key area, and to have the opportunity to design a sustainable, landmark office building for Bristol North Fringe.” Ian Jenkins, Director and Architect