Work gets underway on Bristol housing scheme

A new housing project has broken ground in Bristol.

The Hill Group and Goram Homes, Bristol City Council’s housebuilding company, have started construction at Baltic Wharf, a “landmark” development that will deliver 166 homes on Spike Island, including 40 per cent affordable housing. 

The scheme is being delivered through a joint venture between the two organisations, with SNG set to own and manage 66 of the affordable homes, including 50 for social rent and 16 for shared ownership.

Positioned on the city’s harbourside, the project will create a new neighbourhood of one, two and three-bedroom apartments supported by flexible commercial units and landscaped public areas. 

Supported by a £2.4 million Brownfield Land Release Fund grant, bosses say the development will regenerate unused land and bring new life to the area. 

The plans will open up a previously inaccessible part of the waterfront, adding new pedestrian routes, community spaces and a café to create a welcoming destination for residents and visitors.

Andy Hill OBE, founder and group chief executive of The Hill Group, said: “We are delighted to mark the start of construction at Baltic Wharf, a development that will transform this prominent brownfield site into a sustainable and inclusive new neighbourhood. 

“Working in partnership with Goram Homes and Bristol City Council, we are creating publicly accessible landscaped open spaces in the area that was previously closed off. 

“We look forward to delivering high-quality homes and vibrant public spaces that will enrich Bristol’s harbourside for generations to come.”

Stephen Baker, managing director of Goram Homes, added: “Breaking ground at Baltic Wharf is a significant milestone for our partnership with The Hill Group and for Bristol. 

“Together, we’re unlocking a complex site to deliver much-needed homes, 40 per cent of which will be affordable. 

“These homes are also beautifully designed and energy efficient. Baltic Wharf demonstrates that with an innovative approach, there are solutions for addressing Bristol’s housing crisis even in the very heart of the city.”

Sustainability features heavily in the design, with homes incorporating green roofs, air-source heat pumps, solar panels and extensive cycle storage. 

The central location also offers strong transport links, including nearby Metrobus services and a ten-minute cycle route to Temple Meads station.

The first homes are expected to be completed in spring 2027.

Councillor Barry Parsons, chair of the homes and housing delivery committee at Bristol City Council, added: “I was delighted to attend the groundbreaking at Baltic Wharf. 

“These will be homes for everyone, not just the wealthy, giving people the chance to build their lives together right in the heart of Bristol. 

“And this is only happening because we’re working together to build affordable and social rent homes.

“The groundbreaking brings us a step closer to delivering much-needed new and affordable homes that Bristol urgently requires. 

“This milestone is a great example of what can be achieved through strong collaboration. 

“Together, the council, Goram Homes and The Hill Group are transforming a challenging brownfield site into a vibrant new neighbourhood, right in the heart of our city.

“This development reflects the council’s ongoing commitment to tackling Bristol’s housing crisis by creating high-quality, sustainable homes that genuinely meet local need.”

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