Mansur gets go-ahead for 800,000 SF in Bristol (UK)

US developer HDG Mansur has got the go-ahead for its 810,000-sf mixed-use scheme on the Courage Brewery site in Bristol. The 5.7 acres are on the waterside in the Redcliffe conservation area and will link to Castle Park via a bridge to be known as the Mobius Bridge. The scheme, Finzels Reach, will comprise 401,663 sf of offices; 384 flats; 29,670 feet of leisure, bar and restaurant space; a micro-brewery; and 57,373 sf of retail.

"We are paying particular attention to developing the right balance of mixes and uses across the site,” says Harold D. Garrison, chairman and CEO of HDG Mansur, who explains that the plan is to, “bring them forward through a strategically planned phasing program. The UK's mixed-use sector is of considerable interest to us, with what we believe is strong growth potential over the medium term."

Finzels Reach will retain the existing listed generator building designed in 1899 by WC Green and the 1930 George's Façade, an arched gateway that will form an entrance point to the residential element of the new development. Mansur bought the site in 2004 for euro 29.3 million ($38.3 million) and ditched the existing plans that had secured consent for a major mixed-use redevelopment. Their revisions resulted in a scheme that will become one of the city's biggest ever mixed-use projects.

Changes included an increase in the office component from 300,000 sf to more than 400,000 feet and the use of the historic Generator building for commercial rather than residential use. They also included more open public space, a new harbor-side pedestrian route and a bridge crossing to Castle Park.

Site preparation work is planned to start in June 2005. The scheme is being funded by Deutsche Postbank, which was previously known as ING BHF Bank. Agents are AtisReal and Hamptons International.

Source: Globe St.

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