Engineering consultant WSP has successfully brought forward the now approved plans to build the nine-storey block between St Thomas’ Street and Mitchell Lanes.

WSP’s current proposal for the site is to form the new building in flat slab reinforced concrete construction, which would allow the building to be adapted in the future for a different use if necessary.

The plan forms part of WSP’s Future Ready programme incorporated into all of its projects that encourages retention and continual use of the site.

The brick envelope building will comprise 357 student rooms, a ground floor occupied by a mix of commercial and student hub space and a basement housing plant and a large cycle store.

Peter Bone, Technical Director at WSP and project manager said: “We are delighted to have been appointed by F3 Group to provide civil and structural together with mechanical and electrical engineering design services for this exciting and challenging project in the heart of Bristol.”

Demolition work is due to take place in the coming weeks with the view to complete the project by September 2020.

The building is also expected to receive BREEAM certification to recognise the project’s sustainability.