Plans for Christchurch gas works site are unveiled to public

Proposals for up to 200 apartments on the site of the former gas works in Bridge Street were shown for the first time at a special exhibition by Churchill Retirement Living.

The two-day event at the Kings Hotel saw a mix of residents, town and borough councillors shown the scheme which could change the landscape of a key part of the town forever.

CGI of proposals for gas works site in Christchurch. Churchill Retirement Living (Image: Churchill Retirement Living)

The plans, described as 'gentle densification', focus on the site of the gas works, pump house and include the former La Mamma’s restaurant.

They do not touch the car park or Civic Offices. It is understood this site will be part of plans brought forward by BCP Council's Future Places arm.

Read more: Options for future development sites in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch

The apartments would be a mix of one and two bedroom retirement flats, open market properties and affordable housing or up to three bedrooms.

Churchill Retirement Living (Image: Churchill Retirement Living)

There would also be:

• Car parking under the buildings to maximise space

• 100 retirement apartments in one building

• Up to 100 open market and affordable apartments in a second building

• Creation of a new urban ‘Quarter’ to ‘unify’ the incomplete frontage of Bridge Street

• Create new private and public spaces within masterplan

Read more: Christchurch Civic Offices site 'masterplan' mystery

The biggest challenges to the scheme remain the flood risk – the site is in a flood risk zone and next to the River Avon – and the contamination of the gas works site itself.

In order to deal with the flood risk – while awaiting updated information from the Environment Agency – the developers have designed the properties so they are raised above the current ground level.

The proposed development site. Churchill Retirement Living (Image: Churchill Retirement Living)

And with the site having a high chance of being heavily polluted, significant remediation will be required to deal with the site and make it safe for living.

Materials have been inspired by the red brick arches in the pump house, with the red rust colour from the gas holders feeding into the design and colour scheme of the ‘lid’.

There will be car parking at both buildings, as well as cycle storage.

Read more: 170 homes planned for Christchurch gas works site

Representatives from Churchill said feedback to the scheme had been ‘constructive’.

In terms of the design, Rob Jackson, design director for Churchill, said: “Some people have really liked it.

“The main comment we have had is could we cut it back.”

He added: “Now is the time for people to give us their feedback. We want to be really collaborative.”

The full plans are likely to be submitted December or early January.