Normally reserved for the high seas, 160 shipping containers could be stacked near Patchway railway station to house start-up businesses and entrepreneurs. Plans have been submitted to clear the “poor-quality” buildings from the linear site at Station Road to make way for new development, known as Mainline. A key part of the vision is providing space for creative businesses attracted to the area by the likes of Rolls-Royce, Toshiba and Airbus - world-class companies that have offices nearby. It is predicted to create more than 700 jobs. The plans from Estrans Developments Little Stoke Ltd say: “The brief for the project is to provide flexible workspace in an area which is due to see large amount of investment and growth in the near future. “Shifts in the way small businesses operate have meant that coworking spaces and other flexible workspaces are growing in popularity around the world as the need for low-cost and low maintenance work space which encourages increases. “Successful examples of such models are already in place within Bristol, such as the Boxworks development and Engine Shed. “The project will provide people living outside of the centre of Bristol with business space and supporting facilities for small start-up businesses and entrepreneurs, mainly in the creative, digital and tech businesses.” The planning application says the shipping containers will deliver space more quickly than a permanent building and they can be relocated if needed. It adds: “By collecting a number of smaller businesses together, and providing support, there is a greater opportunity for collaboration and developing a community through networking. “To ensure that Mainline is successful, the number of units needs to provide a critical mass of people to promote collaboration and cross-fertilisation of ideas that will lead to further growth and investment. “This incubation of growth will be encouraged through a programme of activities and events within the co-working space.” If approved by South Gloucestershire Council, the development will stand up to four storeys high and be delivered in three phases to ensure supply meets demand. Another 18 shipping containers will be used for facilities, including a cafe operated by Friska, a co-working space and a cycle hub. There will be parking for 58 cars. The units will be fitted with windows and there will be timber decking, terraces and walkways. The site is currently occupied by a builders’ merchant, a landscaping company and a taxi firm. A previous bid to redevelop the site with 24 flats was refused and dismissed on appeal - the planning inspector said the residents would have suffered unacceptable living conditions.
Estrans Developments Little Stoke has submitted plans to South Gloucester Council seeking permission to clear "poor quality buildings" at the site near Station Road, Bristol, to make room for a new development. The proposal is part of an ongoing regeneration project on the site, which includes a £20m development by developer Edrington Homes and a further £5 The planning application said shipping containers deliver the space more quickly than a conventional building, and can be relocated if needed.