Plans to transform Bristol's historic Guildhall into a five-star luxury hotel are poised to move forward after years of setbacks, with developers seeking listed building consent to remove asbestos from the former courtroom that is earmarked to become a bar.
The scheme to convert the Grade II*-listed building, which sits on Broad Street and Small Street, was initially approved in 2013, but the property was devastated by fire in March 2020. More than 50 firefighters battled the blaze, yet the roof caved in as flames tore through the structure.
Asbestos discovered in courtroom walls
In fresh planning documents lodged with Bristol City Council, the developers' consultants stated that external works were already covered by existing permissions, and that the latest application concerned internal works only, which would 'not affect the setting or significance of the surrounding buildings, or the wider conservation area'.
They noted that despite technical surveys carried out prior to construction work, the building had 'continued to yield surprises', including previously unrecorded alterations. Investigations of the plaster linings through service holes revealed that the upper walls were finished with an asbestos reinforced plaster, requiring removal before any work within the room could proceed to ensure the safety of workers and the public.
The consultants said: "Investigations of the plaster linings through service holes revealed that the upper walls were finished with an asbestos reinforced plaster, requiring removal before any work within the room could proceed to ensure the safety of workers and the public."
Courtroom to become hotel bar
The proposed works are confined to the former courtroom and concern the plaster finishes and linings of the walls above the timber panelling, benching, and doors. The work will require removal of no historic fabric, according to the consultants.
They said the courtroom ranks amongst the most significant spaces within the Guildhall and would be restored to active use as a hotel bar after falling into a prolonged state of disrepair. The venue will feature 75 bedrooms, a restaurant and a rooftop terrace bar.
The consultants added: "The proposed works to replaster the former courtroom will not impact on the street scene, or other buildings within the setting and do not require planning permission. As they affect the internal fabric of Grade II*-listed building, they do require listed building consent."
Hotel Gotham opening delayed to early next year
A notice on the website for the forthcoming Hotel Gotham indicated it is now expected to open later than originally planned, early next year. The site traces its origins back to the 13th century and underwent substantial reconstruction during the 1840s, emerging as a gothic revival-style building.
It functioned as the city's crown court for a considerable number of years, with the basement having served as a prison. The latest application concerns internal works only, and the developers have confirmed that no historic fabric will be removed as part of the asbestos removal and replastering works.
