Dozens of affordable homes to be built in Bristol

This week a new deal has been signed between two leading housing organisations to deliver dozens of new affordable homes to the southern city.

Bellway, one of the UK’s largest house builders, and Sovereign Housing Association have exchanged contracts signifying the beginning of providing over 50 new properties at Berwick Green in Bristol. 

Phase one of the development will see 64 homes provided for social rent or shared-ownership – 46 will be available to rent and 18 for shared ownership. The development is set to include a mix of one-to-four-bedroom properties with plenty of parking and green space.

As the cost-of-living continues to bite, developers have claimed the homes will be available at social rent rates to help meet the growing demand for affordable homes.  

In addition to providing reduced rent rates, the homes at the development are also set to benefit from various sustainable measures to ensure energy bills are reduced as much as possible.

Sustainable upgrades in the homes include installing photovoltaic panels and flue gas heat exchangers, which are underpinned by Sovereign’s pledge to create sustainable futures through its Homes and Place Standard plan.

However, the 64 homes planned for Berwick Green, which are due to be ready for residents to move into between 2025 and 2028, is just the start of Sovereign’s plans. The housing association, which has helped create 61,000 homes across the country, has plans to deliver 3,500 new homes in the Bristol area.

James Gibson, regional Development Director at Sovereign, said: ‘With many new social homes being built either for affordable rent or shared ownership, it’s hugely encouraging to be able to celebrate the exchange of contracts on a development which is primarily for social rent.

‘Exchanging contracts is a milestone step forward for us and we’re looking forward to working with Bellway to provide these much-needed homes. Projects like this really showcase our commitment to deliver the type of housing we know is needed, even when faced with rising costs and inflationary pressures.’

As well as commenting on the positive outcome these new homes will have for Bristol, Tim Lund, Sales Director for Bellway South West, said: ‘Berwick Green is a major development for Bellway and construction is progressing well. The project is helping to meet the demand for both private and affordable housing and we are proud of the impact it is having on the area.

‘This includes the almost £8 million that Bellway is contributing to local services and infrastructure as part of the planning agreement for the development.’

Image: Martyna Bober