The tower blocks changing Bristol's skyline

One thing is certain in the immediate future of Bristol. Many, many new homes will be built.

The city's huge housing blueprint, called a local plan, cements that fact and sets out where nearly 35,000 new homes will be built by 2040.

And a number of proposed sites for the homes illustrate that the approach to meet Bristol's housing needs will be to build up rather than out.

For example, many people will have seen Castle Park view in the centre. It's currently the city's tallest residential building standing at 26 storeys high. But it won't stay the tallest for long, as a 28-storey tower block which will replace the Premier Inn by the Bearpit is currently being built.

So how many more of these types of developments is the city going to get? We examine the proposed buildings which are on course to change Bristol's skyline forever.

Last month Bristol City councillors approved what will become south Bristol's tallest building when it is finished.

The development, between Victoria Park and the New Cut near Princess Street, includes a 23-storey tower as well as three smaller blocks.

According to developer Galliard Apsley's bid, 437 flats will be built, of which about 87 would be affordable, as well as 400 student flats across the new estate.

Its design and access statement said a public square and more than 1,200sqm of commercial space are also included in the application.

It is not yet confirmed how many flats will be in the tallest tower block.

The plans were met with large opposition from residents and local heritage and planning groups, who lodged 468 objections.

Before approving the proposals, the planning committee was told by officers they would lose any appeal, something which would cost local taxpayers £1m.

Elsewhere, in Totterdown, work has been continuing on a 17-storey tower block project which stalled in 2022 after the construction company went into administration.

The building of the 152 affordable apartments, as part of the Boatyard development by Totterdown Bridge next to the River Avon, was approved in 2019 but is yet to be completed.

Last year, construction company Recom Solutions took on the project and it is expected to finish in early 2027.

Land once earmarked for Bristol's long-awaited 20,000-seat arena is set to house numerous tower blocks, eight years after the arena project was abandoned.

The site, dubbed Arena Island, is close to Bristol Temple Meads railway station on land between the River Avon and A4 Bath Road.

Legal and General's bid, which was approved last month, will see 520 flats built across four blocks, with the tallest reaching up to 19 storeys high.

Also included in the plans are bars, shops, offices and a hotel, and the firm said the scheme will take a decade to complete.

Two huge, separate proposals for tower blocks are proposed for land on the other side of the River Avon to Arena Island.

The first is an 18-storey block of flats for students, a healthcare unit and food store, on Avon Trading Estate in Albert Road.

The plans by developer Cubex for 492 student beds were submitted in July 2024, but a decision is yet to be made. A public consultation is currently under way on the plans.

It is not known when councillors will vote on the plans.

Further down Albert Road is land where a proposed student tower block of 18 storeys could be built if developer Student Urban Living Bristol (One) is successful.

It hopes to create up to 400 student beds on the existing site of Avon Crane & Commercial Repairs in Wincombe Trading Estate.

The plans were submitted in June 2025, and a decision is yet to be made.

Neighbouring the huge development on Avon Trading Estate is a 22-storey tower block already under construction.

The development will create 531 beds for students and offices.

The plans, put forward by Cubex, were approved in March 2025.

The last four tower blocks represent a significant population increase in a relatively small part of the city.

They are all part of wider plans to regenerate St Philip's Marsh, with more homes and flats, offices, secondary and primary schools, public spaces and community facilities like shops and restaurants, under the Temple Quarter masterplan.

It also includes the new University of Bristol Enterprise Campus, which is currently being built next to Bristol Temple Meads.

The team behind the £500m campus hope it will bring in a wave of start-up entrepreneurship to Bristol.

It will be a base for 4,600 students and 750 members of staff, and it is expected to open in September.

Elsewhere in the St Philip's Marsh regeneration area, a team of developers want to build about 1,800 homes in blocks of flats on Feeder Road.

The tallest block could be up to 30 storeys high, according to plans, meaning it would be Bristol's largest-ever if the proposal goes ahead.

The developers submitted an environmental impact assessment last month to Bristol City Council, meaning any plans are very early on in the process.

A public consultation is expected to be held, although the date for it is yet to be confirmed.

Last month Bristol City Council's planning committee approved a 28-storey tower block , along with a smaller 10-storey block, which would together house up to 600 students.

The development, called Cabot Gate, is set to be built next to the entrance to the Cabot Circus car park, along with a community space which is earmarked for a local youth club organisation and a café.

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