A SITE in the heart of Clifton Village that’s been derelict for more than 15 years could soon be opened up for public use.
Speare Developments, which has bought the former WH Smith site, has applied to Bristol City Council to open a pop-up restaurant.
The developers are seeking consent for the “meanwhile use” for the land while they develop their long-term plans for it.
They say the restaurant will be inside a stretched tent marquee, no more than one storey high. It will occasionally be used for workshops, demos or as a community space.
A kitchen in a shipping container will be linked to the restaurant area, which will have seating for up to 150 people. A cellar with a bar attached will be in another shipping container.
There will also be space on the site for trestle tables and gazebos to form a shopping market. When the market is not operating the gazebos and tables will be stored in containers.
The restaurant and the market will be managed by the same tenant, who has not yet been officially named, although Councillors Paula O’Rourke and Jerome Thomas say that Speare Developments are working with renowned chef Josh Eggleton.
The councillors are keen on the proposal, which they say will enhance the appearance of the area and support surrounding businesses. They say planning conditions and licensing restrictions could be used to mitigate any problems.
However, some people living nearby have submitted objections to the plan to the council. They are particularly concerned about recorded music and suggest that the restaurant should be restricted to daytime use.
One said: “As it stands, this plan for an open-air restaurant and bar will be hugely disruptive to residents living in the surrounding area in terms of noise pollution from ambient music, drinkers and diners eating outside until 10pm in a residential neighbourhood which is quiet after 6pm.
“It will also increase the parking problem we already face as Clifton residents as 150 diners try and find somewhere to leave their car. “
WH Smith closed in 2010 and the site has remained unused other than for a temporary ice rink in 2014. The eyesore site is now covered in weeds, shrubs and bushes and is surrounded by hoardings.
The application can be viewed on the council planning portal with the reference 26/10409/F