At 26 storeys, Bristol’s tallest residential tower is closer to becoming a reality after a deal has been signed to develop the site on the corner of a former ambulance station in one corner of Castle Park.

The tower will dwarf the buildings around it, including the historic St Philip & St Jacob Church, thought to be the oldest continually worshipping church in Bristol, with Christian worship on the site traced back to as early as 900 AD.

Nearby Castlemead has 18 floors, while Eclipse Tower above Harvey Nichols opposite Cabot Circus has 14 storeys.

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This new tower will be part of a development of 375 new homes; 300 of which designed for private rent and 75 affordable residences to be owned and managed by Yarlington Housing Group.

Property developer Linkcity has signed agreements with Homes England, Bristol City Council, M&G Real Estate and Yarlington to deliver the 180,000 sq ft scheme, which will be known as Castle Park View.

Designed by architects Chapman Taylor, work is expected to start this month with completion anticipated in 2022.

Bristol mayor Marvin Rees has often stated his ambition for Bristol to build taller buildings, “to reflect that of a bold, ambitious city”.

He said: “We have been working together with Linkcity and Homes England for some time with the shared ambition of seeing this complex site turned into a landmark development that delivers new homes that our city desperately needs.

“By working together, we have been able to increase the amount of affordable housing on the site from 12 per cent to 20 per cent.

“This is an important milestone and we look forward to construction starting soon to bring this project to life.”

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