Warehouse to let in Avonmouth looks forward to local regeneration

Architects based in Redland are working with a city developer to undertake a £3.5 million renovation of buildings in Portland Square. O’LearyGoss architects has teamed up with Barnett Developments to create Portland Heights in the square in St Paul’s.

The first phase, of 19 energy efficient apartments, was recently completed and the second phase is due to be finished by the autumn. Work on the third phase will start in the summer and will involve redeveloping a garage into a mix of flats, four townhouses and two office units.

The development marks a further renaissance of Portland Square, which was a popular residential area for prosperous Bristol merchants during the 18th and early 19th centuries. However, after riots in the city in 1831, many merchants decided to move to Clifton and the square fell into decline. It became partially derelict after the bombing of the city centre during the Second World War.

Architect Robert O’Leary said: “Portland Square is 200 years old and one of the finest examples of a Georgian square in the UK, which was badly bombed on December 2, 1940. With only around 9,000 grade one-listed properties in the UK and half of those ecclesiastical, Portland Square is vital to preserve, protect and improve. The five-storey concrete building, dating back to 1973, was completely stripped back to a bare shell and O’LearyGoss and Barnett Developments achieved an excellent industry design standard for noise and energy. Portland Heights is set to be nominated for two building awards this summer.”

The developers worked with local artist Wei Ong, known as Silent Hobo, to create a new mural at the building’s base to celebrate Bristol’s famous street art culture.

Nick Barnett, of Barnett Developments, which is based in Portland Square, said: “It’s a privilege to work on one of the most up-and-coming areas of Bristol. The council is supportive of regenerating this important historic area and it is wonderful to partner O’LearyGoss, which has created amazing designs in Bristol and surrounding areas.”