Tall & Urban News

Work to build 152 affordable homes on the banks of the River Avon in Bristol is expected to start in the coming months.

The £50 million (US$57 million) scheme, which already has planning permission, will be made up of 112 shared ownership homes and 40 affordable rent units.

The complex, which will be located at the former Esso garage in Bath Road by Totterdown Bridge, will be spread over four blocks up to 15 stories high.

It will also include office space and two basement floors for parking beneath the tallest tower.

Housing association group Clarion has, this month, exchanged contracts with construction specialist Mid Group to build the 152 homes.

Work is due to start on site in Bath Road within the next couple of months, with the first residents expected to move into their new homes in August 2022.

It will be Clarion’s first city center scheme in Bristol.

Richard Cook, group director of development for Clarion Housing Group, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing affordable and desirable homes to Bristol, providing opportunities for people to enjoy riverside living with easy access to all that the city has to offer.

“This is our first development in Bristol city center, and is part of our long-term growth strategy for the South West.

“Working with Mid Group and Bristol City Council, we look forward to creating a thriving community at the heart of the city.”

More than 100 objections were received against the plans when they were first revealed.

While residents and Bristol Civic Society voiced concerns that the high-rise had only one stairwell escape route, two years after the Grenfell disaster.

Paul Smith, cabinet member for housing at Bristol City Council, said: “Clarion Housing Group aims to help tackle the housing crisis by building high quality homes and creating sustainable and thriving communities.

“Profits are reinvested to build more affordable homes, improve and maintain existing homes and support communities through the group’s charitable foundation, Clarion Futures.”

For more on this story, go to Bristol Live.