Bristols Old Market area to get further new development of flats and offices.

A further part of Bristol’s historic Old Market area is going to be redeveloped; plans have recently been draw up by developers to breathe new life into a section adjacent to Midland Road.

The plans consist of a mixed use development, of 49 houses, flats and some commercial, with some partial demolition along with retention of the more architecturally pleasing structures.

In the most recent past, the buildings currently on the site have been used by Northcliffe Media. Changing times within the media means that Northcliffe have vacated most of the site, the local Evening Post paper now being produced elsewhere.

Historically the site was used in Georgian times for Zinc manufacturing, and subsequently in Queen Victoria’s time for lead manufacture.

The developer’s architects have already asked local conservation and community groups for their opinions on the proposals.

In a recent statement John Frenkel of the Bristol Civic Society: "This is a very welcome development of this back-land site," he told This Is Bristol. "We are delighted that the developer has involved the local Old Market Community Association, who are very active and also supports the proposals.

We are happy that some of the existing red brick buildings on Unity Street, which date back to the turn of the last century, are being retained." He added that the plans would help keep the district's long-held "commercial atmosphere".

Kevin Cox of Bristol Letting agents igloolets.com said “Over the years as a letting agent, I have watched Old Market slowly develop. It is a pocket of Bristol that still has lots of potential for development, and mixed use seems the most appropriate for the area. Any investor in the area needs to take the long term view, for investment purposes. However, with the areas, close proximity to the Cabot Circus and Broadmead shopping complex, main rail station and bus network. It certainly makes a good choice for property investors to consider. I am sure that in the longer term it will develop into a community all of its own, and prove extremely popular for people looking to rent in Bristol as more development takes place”.