Bristol’s iconic development is taking a major step forward

A landmark development in Bristol has taken a major step forward as detailed plans for the first stage of the 1,435-home development have been approved.

Goram Homes and development partner Vistry Group have secured reserved issue planning consent for the first 209 new homes at Hengrove Park.

The one and two bedroom apartments and three and four bedroom houses are all designed to benefit from 22 hectares of redeveloped parkland, the size of around 30 football pitches.

The highly sustainable homes will connect to a striking new energy hub, which will also be built in this phase, providing low-carbon heating and hot water to residents through a community district heating network.

The heat will be generated by an innovative system of heat pumps housed in the energy centre, which will travel through a network of underground pipes to people’s homes.

Barry Parsons, Chair of Bristol City Council’s Homes and Housing Delivery Committee, said: “Hengrove Park is a brilliant example of Goram Homes’ transformation of council land into high quality, energy efficient council housing in the number we really need.

“A third of the UK’s carbon emissions come from heating, which is why we need to build sustainable homes to meet the climate emergency. This is a long-term project that is building the right homes, in the right place, and it will be an important moment when the excavators start on site later this year.”

Around 60 homes in this first phase will be available for social rent and shared ownership, with over 700 affordable homes planned for the completed Hengrove Park development.

Bristol’s biggest development in a generation, it received a masterplan in 2020 for 1,435 new homes, a public park and new community and sports facilities. Hengrove Park is the largest site developed by council-owned development company Goram Homes.

Feedback from the community helped inform the design for this phase. Following the consultation, the height of the blocks was reduced from five storeys to four.

Several pedestrian crossings were included to provide additional access points from the houses to the park. And a design workshop with the community helped choose the best areas for walkways, seating and park lighting.

Stephen Baker, managing director of Goram Homes, said: “Thanks to everyone who helped shape our plans. We know how important this site is to local people, so we will continue to work with neighbours, community groups and those passionate about making Hengrove Park a thriving new neighbourhood.

“Not only are we building much-needed new homes here, we are also creating new amenities and public spaces for the whole Hengrove and Whitchurch community to enjoy. So please continue to engage as we develop our plans for the next phases.”

The first phase of the redesigned park includes accessible all-weather pathways, relaxation and social spaces to gather and play, as well as a pond and wetlands with sidewalks and patio.

Goram Homes and Vistry Group will build the new homes and facilities in phases. The design team will work with the community at every stage to develop detailed plans before they are presented to Bristol City Council.

Construction of the first phase of new homes to be built to the east of South Bristol Community Hospital will begin towards the end of the year.

Susan Scholfield, Vistry Bristol Regional Director, said: “Hengrove Park is a once-in-a-generation development opportunity for Bristol and we are very pleased that detailed plans for the first 209 homes have been approved. Working in partnership with Goram Homes, we are set to transform this brownfield site into a thriving new neighbourhood, offering mixed-use homes to scale and a range of housing options for the local community.”