Whitbread PLC, in partnership with Olympian Homes, has received permission from Bristol City Council to develop the Bristol City Centre (Haymarket) Premier Inn site. The approved plans will involve the conversion of the existing 20-storey 1970s hotel building into two new purpose-built structures comprising 132 shared accommodation units and 442 student bedrooms.

The redevelopment project aims to revitalise the city centre location, with the new buildings rising to 18 and 28 storeys respectively. Notably, one third of the existing site will be occupied by the new structures, while the remaining two thirds, covering an area of 1,900 m², will be designated as public open space. This landscaped area will not only enhance biodiversity with a net gain of over 5,000%, but will also create a safe pedestrian route linking Bristol Bus Station and Broadmead.

The redevelopment project was designed by RIBA Stirling Award-winning architects Hodder+Partners in collaboration with landscape designers McGregor Coxall. Particular attention was paid to preserving heritage features such as the views of the Scottish Presbyterian Chapel, thereby contributing to the town's architectural heritage.

Now that planning permission has been granted, Whitbread will continue its hotel operations on the existing site while finalising the necessary agreements with Bristol City Council. The redevelopment project represents an important step towards rejuvenating Bristol city centre and providing modern, sustainable living solutions.

“The Bristol City Centre (Haymarket) Premier Inn has reached the end of its operational life.  Constructed in the early 1970’s, the building now requires substantial investment to meet our current brand and sustainability standards. We are also fortunate in having another Premier Inn hotel serving the same city centre catchment.  By redeveloping the site into student accommodation and co-living homes we can realise the true potential of the gateway location at the same time as releasing capital back into the business to invest in our growing estate.” - Richard Pearson, Development Manager for Whitbread

“This development has been three years in the making and I would like to thank councillors and Bristol City Council Officers for their proactive engagement in the design and planning of the new development. The location is suited for city-centre living in Bristol City Centre and the development will replace a very tired building with the most elegant, tall building in Bristol, and would transform the public realm.

“A key feature of our proposal is the inclusion of 20% affordable homes, set at local housing allowance rates, specifically designed to support key workers. Our co-living model not only presents a financially viable alternative to traditional renting, costing approximately 25% less than a standard one-bedroom flat, but also promotes a sense of community and belonging.

“We are proud of what we have designed together with Whitbread and with planning permission now secured, we will press on and work to deliver our vision for the landmark location in Bristol city centre.” - Oliver d’Erlanger, Associate Director at Olympian Homes