Big step forward in plans for huge Bristol housing estate
1,400 new homes are planned in Hengrove Park
A developer has been chosen to build a huge new housing estate in South Bristol.
Bristol City Council wants to see 1,400 new homes built at Hengrove Park on the site of an old airfield.
It's now confirmed that the council's own housing developer Goram Homes, will work with another called Countryside Partnerships to see the estate created.
Once built, half of the homes will become council housing, as Goram Homes say there are currently around 6,500 households on the waiting list in the area.
Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees said: "This is a huge step forward for Hengrove Park and a perfect example of what our housing company does best.
"By working in partnership with private developers like Countryside, Goram Homes can not only deliver high quality, net zero homes fit for the future, but also provide new facilities, jobs, and training opportunities that will benefit people across south Bristol."
As a 50/50 partnership between Goram and Countryside Partnerships, half of the profit made from selling the homes will go to Bristol City Council.
The estate will also feature a new public park the size of around 30 football pitches, also featuring play areas, a sports pavilion and a new community space.
A new energy centre containing air source heat pumps will also be developed, connecting the new homes and surrounding businesses to low carbon heating and hot water through a district heating network.
Cllr Tom Renhard, Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery and Homes, said: “This is development done right.
"Hengrove Park will create hundreds of council-owned homes, helping to meet a huge demand in this part of the city.
"And the on-site energy centre connected to highly insulated homes will limit carbon emissions and could help to lower energy bills for residents too.”
In its own statement Goram Homes says its "driven by delivering homes Bristol can be proud of" and that this development will do that, while Countryside Partnerships say they are "delighted" to be involved.
The first stage of construction at Hengrove Park is already underway. Goram Homes and the Hill Group are developing 53 homes for council housing, alongside commercial space, on two pieces of land adjacent to Hengrove Boulevard known as the Bookends.
Countryside Partnerships and Goram Homes aim to start the next phase of development in 2024.