Take three... office-to-residential conversions

摘要

Landmark buildings in Bristol will soon look more inviting when windows are replaced, balconies added and foyers bustle with activity.City centre secondary office owners plan to turn 600,000 sq ft into flats by taking advantage of permitted development rights - a government policy that allows a change of use without consent. Work must begin by May 2016, when the relaxation ends.The conversions include some of the city's most distinctive but commercially unsuccessful buildings.Crest Nicholson is the latest to take advantage by buying the 100,000 sq ft former South West Electricity Board office at Westgate, Colston Street. The housebuilder will not to discuss conversion.