Underpinning the proposals are a set of seven design principles, which make up the rules that have guided detailed outcomes during the scheme development:

Retain existing buildings

Retain majority of the existing buildings, returning largely to the massing of the 1950s factory by strategic demolition of the link between Buildings 4 and 5, together with various secondary extensions. These demolitions are shown in red, below.

The Square at the heart

Develop the The Square as the heart of the site, serving both the existing Greenbank community and the Bristol and Bath Cycle Path as a business, retail and leisure hub.

Family houses

Maximise the number of family houses on the vacant land surrounding the existing buildings.

Cycle houses

Develop a prototype ‘cycle-house’ that overlooks and has direct access to the cycle path.

Create a new gateway

Connect the crescent of houses that front Greenbank Road with the houses to the north of New Street. To successfully turn this corner we have proposed a pair of apartment buildings at the entrance off Greenbank Road.

New landmarks

Place a positive landmark building between The Square and the Bristol and Bath Cycle Path. It is envisaged that this building, called the Cycle Dock, will have a cafe and bike shop on the two lower levels, with a budget hotel on the upper floors. Super graphic lettering is also proposed to the top floor of Building 5, replicating the historical ‘Packer’ signature, and providing another clearly recognisable landmark.

Landscape and ecology

Retain the green corridor along the cycle path.Retain foraging access for badgers and other species on site between Greenbank Cemetery and allotments.Choose landscaping that is native and biodiverse to encourage wildlife.