19 August 2013
Over 1000 custom build homes could be built on a flagship regeneration site in South Bristol – becoming the city’s first custom build initiative on a large scale and one of Britain’s biggest custom build projects.
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Bristol City Council has earmarked the homes for Hengrove Park (pictured), a 75 ha open space on the site of the former Whitchurch Airfield, four miles from the city centre. In addition to housing, the site could also host retail units and businesses, while making full use of the existing green spaces.
The council is currently producing a report to detail the various options for bringing the site forward for custom build.
Barry Wallen, Senior Affordable Housing Development Officer at the council, said: “Our mayor, George Ferguson, is very keen on custom build and is adamant that we should be delivering up to 1000 units per year by 2016. This is a drive to up our game in terms of delivering more affordable housing.
“At Hengrove Park, there is the potential for as many as 1200 units. If a custom build developer can make it work then we will consider it.”
Self build scheme wanted in South Gloucestershire
Meanwhile, support is gathering for South Gloucestershire’s first council-promoted self build scheme at nearby Bradley Stoke, situated on the north side of the City of Bristol. A 0.8-acre council-owned site on Savages Wood Road is being put forward by town councillors as a potential self build scheme.
Town Mayor Brian Hopkinson, councillor for Bradley Stoke Central, said: “There is the potential to provide 35-40 units here. This could provide a valuable, affordable opportunity for those who cannot get onto the housing ladder.”
In September, South Gloucestershire’s policy and resources committee are to review how self build might be delivered locally.
