Property investor Legal & General has released alternative plans for Zaha Hadid Architects-designed new mixed-use complex for a long-awaited site in Bristol, England.

The new housing development by Zaha Hadid Architects is planned to be built in one of two proposed locations for the Bristol Arena. ZHA's new design scheme will include 550 homes, a 345-room hotel, a large-capacity conference centre and two office blocks on a two-hectare site in the city centre, near to Temples Meads Station. 

Image courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects

First plans were revealed for a 12,000-seat arena for the site in 2003 by Populous, and were aimed to be completed in 2008. Populous' design was approved in 2016 under previous mayor George Ferguson. But, the project has been put on hold for more than 15 years by the new major Marvin Rees, as Bristol City Council still continues to debate its correct location. 

Image courtesy of Bristol City Council

The city council is expected to make a decision in September whether Populous-designed scheme will be abandoned or the new site for Bristol Arena will move to Filton, the north of the city or not.

Legal & General has stated ZHA's new scheme "would help build a resilient city centre offer for Bristol in the face of current structural changes in retailing, culture and leisure, which demands a different offer from towns and city centres."

Image courtesy of Bristol City Council

The company has also added that the new plans would be more environmental friendly than an arena. 

"I welcome Legal & General sharing this vision for the site with the city – it provides another useful contribution as we move towards making a well-informed decision on the best use of Temple Island," said Mayor Rees, the new mayor of the city.

Image courtesy of Bristol City Council

Mayor Rees is expected to make his decision on September 4th after a full council meeting was called to discuss the project's management, according to Bristol Post. 

Image courtesy of Bristol City Council

Image courtesy of Bristol City Council

Image courtesy of Bristol City Council

Top image courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects 

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