The development will transform the former Dunmail Primary School site, currently owned by Bristol City Council, into an attractive residential location with green spaces and community areas. The buildings have been carefully designed following consultation with local residents, with an energy efficient and sustainable approach. Elderberry Walk will be strongly rooted in the landscape of Southmead, and sympathetic to the surrounding area of North Bristol. The homes will be set around a central Green Lane featuring a wide promenade, cycle path and children’s play facilities sown across the site.
The new homes will be a combination of one- and two-bedroom apartments, and two, three- and four-bed houses. Whether looking to buy or rent, preference will be given to people working and living in the local area. Almost a third of the homes will be affordable housing with United Communities – both for rent and shared ownership. A further quarter will be a new type of socially responsible private rent, to be delivered by Bristol and Bath Regional Capital (BBRC) and the Cheyne Social Property Impact Fund.
Prospective home owners – looking to buy one of the 69 open market properties - can register their interest with HAB now, in advance of house sales beginning in early 2018. Under HAB’s custom build model, buyers who purchase off-plan will have the opportunity to choose from a selection of room layouts to best suit them, their tastes and their family. In addition, they can also tailor from a wide range of fixtures and fittings to finish their home.
Construction is expected to begin later this year, with first homes available for occupation in late 2018 and final completion in 2020.
Kevin McCloud, Chairman of HAB, said: “We’re simply delighted to start our first project in our home city of Bristol; HAB Housing has been keen to deliver here ever since we moved into our Studio in the city a few years ago. Urban regeneration can be beautiful, sustainable and affordable. And we are eager to crack on, and begin to shape a beautiful new quarter of Southmead.”
Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, commented: “This is a fantastic project and an exciting time to develop sustainable homes in Bristol. We’re working hard to make sure more homes are built to meet Bristol’s needs, and this project is an excellent example. It brings together a rich mix of good quality housing, creating local jobs and building in an environmentally conscious way. I’m sure it will benefit the entire area wider city.”
Oona Goldsworthy, Chief Executive of United Communities commented: “Now building on this site in Southmead is near to beginning, we are looking forward to working with the community to make a real impact on the area. Our new homes will benefit those facing a housing crisis in the city, and the sustainable build means that lower living costs for our new tenants too.”
Ed Rowberry, Chief Executive of BBRC, said: “This scheme will lead the way for similar projects. By offering nearly two thirds affordable or socially responsible housing, this proposition is unique. The homes will really empower local people and provide long-term tenancies and stable rents. Bristol City Council’s support will underpin the success of the scheme.”
Shamez Alibhai from the Cheyne Social Property Impact Fund said: “This is the first time that a housing scheme has been funded as a collaboration between a national investment fund, a local community-minded investment company, and the Council. Given the substantial house price and rental price inflation in the city, we’re pleased to be helping provide intermediate ethical market rent housing solutions for both key workers and other tenants that are sustainable over the longer term. In addition, this investment reflects the first multi-tenure development within Bristol and is a new funding model that could be replicated nationwide to help encourage greater provision of homes."
